{"id":252810,"date":"2025-03-24T13:25:23","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T13:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sky-bubbles.com\/entrevista-a-antonia-varela-astrofisica-y-directora-de-la-fundacion-starlight\/"},"modified":"2025-03-25T17:46:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T17:46:11","slug":"interview-with-antonia-varela-astrophysicist-and-director-of-the-starlight-foundation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sky-bubbles.com\/en\/interview-with-antonia-varela-astrophysicist-and-director-of-the-starlight-foundation\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Antonia Varela, Astrophysicist and Director of the Starlight Foundation"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f1df” custom_padding=”0px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”37px” text_line_height=”30px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]Interview with Antonia Varela, Astrophysicist and Director of the Starlight Foundation[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”INTERVIEWS” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”df-button dfc-entrevistas” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_border_width=”1px” button_border_radius=”100px” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”|20px|||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”#7296ab” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”15px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”3px||-25px|||” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Sometimes, a person has a unique presence that naturally draws people in, fueled by their passion for what they do. In these people, passion shines through when they talk about what excites them. Their eyes light up, and even if you’re not an expert, you can tell from their tone and explanations just how much knowledge and research are behind everything they say.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”1px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5%||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sky-bubbles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/C15L2016.jpg” title_text=”C15L2016″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Barlow|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]If, on top of that, they can make complex ideas easy to understand and present them in an engaging way, then, in my opinion, you’re dealing with someone truly exceptional.<\/p>\n

And if you add to all that the fact we’re talking to an astrophysicist whose passion is the sky, this interview becomes one of the most special ones we’ve done so far.
\nTogether with Quim, we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Antonia Varela, the director of the Starlight Foundation and the Cosmos Museum in Tenerife.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Barlow|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

P. For those not familiar with the topic, how did the idea of studying astrophysics come about?<\/strong>
A. You don\u2019t just wake up with that chip implanted, hahaha. I\u2019ve always loved math, physics, and science in general from a very young age. There are two key moments that sparked my interest in what I do today: in fourth grade, I was fascinated by a book called Cosmos that explained the law of inertia\u2014it\u2019s a memory I still vividly remember. Another defining moment was one summer when my parents rented a house to spend the holidays with a family friend who wanted to be an astrophysicist. The house had the perfect location for stargazing.<\/p>\n

P. How old were you when this idea first came up?<\/strong>
A. I was between 13 and 14 years old.<\/p>\n

Q. That\u2019s almost like being predestined!<\/strong>
A. During high school, I already decided I wanted to study physics and then specialize in astrophysics. I even had a teacher who tried to convince me to change my path and insisted that I should study something else. It\u2019s funny because years later, when students from that same school and teacher visited the museum I run for a training day, I sent him a nice message saying I hadn\u2019t done too badly, and I\u2019d make sure his students learned a lot.<\/p>\n

Q. Astrophysics is a complex field; I imagine it requires a lot of hours at the desk.<\/strong>
A. Yes, definitely. In fact, I remember the guy I fell in love with\u2014who\u2019s now my husband\u2014totally nailed it by giving me a Carl Sagan book and a telescope. He was clear that he was going to be with someone who would even bring books to dates. Hahaha.<\/p>\n

P. To study astrophysics, I guess you had to take post-graduate specialization, right?<\/strong>
A. Yes, exactly. There were two of us from the Canary Islands and ten in total in the program, which, by the way, we launched here. I was about to go to Barcelona to take the course, but in the end, they decided to offer it in the Canary Islands.<\/p>\n

P. How was the experience?<\/strong>
A. I was the top student in my class. I knew this was my calling, but during the specialization, I confirmed it 100%. Also, thanks to my thesis, I had the chance to travel to extraordinary places like Cambridge and Chile. I have great memories of that time.<\/p>\n

Q. I\u2019m afraid to ask, but what was your thesis about?<\/strong>
A. I chose to study the morphology of galaxies by recreating and analyzing mathematical models in low-gas environments, where galactic bulges (central groups of stars) had formed, which are key to the origins of any galaxy. I studied this because it was uncommon, and until then, it had been suggested that, for there to be bursts where stars formed, it was essential to have high gas content environments.<\/p>\n

P. I guess that the technology you had for that research was nothing compared to what we have today, right?<\/strong>
A. Yes, it was very complex. I recreated 3D models using photos, and I was the first to introduce light as an influencing factor when creating those models.<\/p>\n

P. I don\u2019t know much about it, but that sounds very innovative.<\/strong>
A. Yes, in fact, I have to say that my thesis has been used in various studies and publications since then.<\/p>\n

Q. And after you finished… what does an astrophysicist do?<\/strong>
A. Well, like everyone, I tried to work in what I loved. The opportunity came to secure a postdoctoral contract through the university for a new project in the Canary Islands. The goal was to define parameters for measuring the quality of the sky in a specific area, specify the technology needed to gather that data, and share what we learned so the process could be replicated.<\/p>\n

At that time, 90% of the locations dedicated to astronomy were in Chile, so we set out to compete, as the Canary Islands offered ideal conditions. It wasn\u2019t enough to say \u201cwe are good at what we do\u201d; we had to take it a step further and prove how good we were.<\/p>\n

P. Clearly, the project was successful! What are the parameters for measuring sky quality?<\/strong>
A. There are more and more, but I\u2019ll give you the most important ones: lack of turbulence, image clarity considering the passage of light, air transparency in the atmosphere, little to no light pollution, and minimal clouds, tropical storms, and hurricanes.<\/p>\n

P. So, did this project lead to the creation of the Starlight Foundation?<\/strong>
A. Starlight was founded in 2007 with the goal of raising awareness about the La Palma Declaration. In 1988, a treaty was written and signed to protect the sky, applicable to La Palma and part of Tenerife, becoming the first of its kind. Starlight emerged with the mission of expanding its reach through training, events, cultural activities, and the work of its ambassadors worldwide.<\/p>\n

When Starlight was created, its founders, Francisco S\u00e1nchez and Luis Mart\u00ednez, contacted the university group I was working with on sky quality research. From the beginning, I joined Starlight as a trainer. Today, Starlight is the international face of the La Palma Declaration.<\/p>\n

Q. What is the daily life like for the Director of the Starlight Foundation?<\/strong>
A. Busy, hahaha. The truth is that I never stop; with all the time zone changes, I often go to sleep answering an email and wake up answering another one. But it\u2019s worth it, with all the projects we have going on, including certifications, courses, audits, collaborations… It\u2019s amazing to see how the brand consolidates and grows sustainably, achieving the goals we set year after year. I like to say that I keep my eyes on the sky and my feet on the ground.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”2560px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sky-bubbles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/421_historia-fundacion-starlight.jpg” title_text=”421_historia-fundacion-starlight” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”align-self: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Playfair Display|500|on||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”46px” text_line_height=”60px” text_font_size_tablet=”46px” text_font_size_phone=”35px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]”I like to say that I keep my eyes on the sky and my feet on the ground.”[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Barlow|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

P. What a great phrase! To quantify the Starlight Foundation, what numbers would you highlight?<\/strong>
A. We organize 10 annual courses and collaborate both nationally and internationally. We provide training for technicians and entrepreneurs who want to orient their business toward sky protection. Also, to exemplify it, the demand for our certification is currently growing by 300% every year!<\/p>\n

That being said, we grow sustainably. As important as expanding is ensuring our ambassadors reinforce the La Palma Declaration and Starlight\u2019s values. We don\u2019t want to just be a certification; if any certification fails to meet its commitments, it\u2019s canceled without exception.<\/p>\n

Q. Can a private entity get certified?<\/strong>
A. The sky doesn\u2019t care whether it’s private or public: it transcends politics. We only have one, and we need to take care of it. Of course, a private entity can get certified by Starlight if they commit to and abide by the La Palma treaty and champion it.<\/p>\n

Q. Well then, Skybubbles and Starlight are meant to be!<\/strong>
A. Skybubbles accommodations are fascinating because of the unique experience they offer to those who want to stargaze without interference. You\u2019d be great allies. We should definitely talk about it!<\/p>\n

Q. We should definitely discuss it!<\/strong>
Q. Thank you, Antonia!<\/strong>
A. Thank you!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”2560px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sky-bubbles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Finolhu-Beach-Bubble-Tent-12-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Finolhu Beach Bubble – Tent 12″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||6px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Playfair Display|500|on||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”46px” text_line_height=”60px” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”46px” text_font_size_phone=”35px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]”Skybubbles accommodations are fascinating because of the unique experience they offer to those who want to stargaze without interference. You\u2019d be great allies. We should definitely talk about it!”[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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