The Stars of the Little Prince

From November 9 to 17, 2024, a team of researchers, science communicators, and pilots took to the skies of Morocco aboard two light aircraft for a unique mission: bringing astronomy to schools in remote regions.

Supported by the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports and the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation, this remarkable journey sparked the curiosity of over 1,500 students about science and scientific careers, while weaving a unique connection between knowledge, culture, and heritage.

During this expedition, the team visited iconic cities such as Tangier, Essaouira, Agadir, Tan-Tan, Laâyoune, Tarfaya, Ouarzazate, and Zagora, retracing the historic route of the Aéropostale. Each stop paid tribute to the pioneers of aviation, notably Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, writer and pilot, whose works, such as Night Flight, immortalized the challenges and achievements of that era.

The students, often amazed to observe the stars through a telescope for the first time, also handled meteorites and explored the starry sky in an inflatable planetarium. These activities, tailored to each age group, aim to inspire new vocations and provide isolated communities with access to high-quality science outreach.

The Stars of the Little Prince, an initiative inspired by the legacy of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the Aéropostale, seamlessly combined scientific exploration with cultural celebration.

This project, a collaboration among the University of Bern, Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech, SpaceBus Maroc, NOC-IAU Morocco, the Amateur Astronomy Association of Marrakech (3AM), the Rose des Vents - Cap Juby association, and aviation enthusiasts, turned astronomy into a strong tool for discovery, inspiration, and sharing universal values.