Paseo de las Estrellas de la Ciencia

The Walk of the Stars of Science was inaugurated in December of 2020 on the Avenida Marítima in Santa Cruz de la Palma. This unique project honors outstanding figures in science and aims to promote recognition of La Palma’s sky as a leading location for astronomical observation and astrotourism.  

During the event, the importance of the Walk of the Stars as a symbol of La Palma’s strong connection with science was highlighted strengthening the island’s image as a prime destination for stargazing. The mayor of Santa Cruz de La Palma pointed out the walkway’s location on the newly renovated Avenida Marítima, which will enhance the city’s tourism appeal.  

The Walk of the Stars of Science has previously recognized four distinguished figures: Stephen Hawking, Alekséi Leónov, Takaaki Kajita, and Samuel C. C. Ting. Hawking, honored in 2016, revolutionized astrophysics with his studies on space-time theory and black holes. That same year, Alekséi Leónov received his star in recognition of his historic spacewalk in 1965 and his role in the joint Apollo-Soyuz mission.

Japanese physicist Takaaki Kajita was honored in 2017 for his work on neutrino oscillations, which earned him the Nobel Prize in 2015. In 2018, the recognition was given to Samuel C. C. Ting, who won the Nobel Prize in 1976 for discovering the J particle.