"The beautiful night sky can be seen by everyone, everywhere on Earth. That is why every single person deserves the chance to experience its wonder. For a child, gazing at a clear starry sky can be their very first realization of just how vast the universe truly is. That single glimpse through a telescope can spark questions that last a lifetime: How does this work? What lies out there? Where do we come from? Could I discover that one day?
Curiosity is the foundation of learning. It drives science, technology, and innovation. Yet, not every child is given the same opportunities to nurture that curiosity. SSVI brings the stars to children who might otherwise rarely encounter science and technology. By organizing inspiring activities, the project allows children to discover, experiment, and marvel firsthand. In doing so, astronomy becomes accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. Because talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.
Your contribution helps these children broaden their horizons. You make it possible for them to not only see the moon, the planets, and the stars, but to truly understand them. Thanks to your support, a child might just discover a lifelong passion for science—becoming the engineer, researcher, teacher, or inventor of tomorrow.Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to a world where wonder is not a privilege, but an opportunity available to every child. Investing in a child's curiosity today is an investment in the future of us all."
Prof. Ewine Van Dischoeck
Leiden University, former president of the IAU