N. A. Silva

Abstract
In May 1989 the Center for Astrophysics of the University of Porto (CAUP) was founded. From the start,  CAUP’s objectives were research, education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the promotion of the scientific culture through outreach activities.
We now have 20 years of stories, adventures and experiences on the outreach and the popularization of  Astronomy, to share with other institutions, with teachers and the public.
Astronomy can be the perfect starting point to the discovery of science and experimentation,  observation and technology. Science and scientific discoveries help us discover ourselves and find our  place in the world, they can also lead us to wonderful treasures of knowledge.
CAUP’s outreach projects aim to be an introduction not only to Astronomy, but to Physics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Biology. This is possible because Astronomy has a strong multidisciplinary character, and it also stirs our natural curiosity to discover the secrets of the Universe.

IAU-UNESCO Symposium 260
Paris, France
2009 January