Seven members of the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team of the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) recently flew across the world to take part in a unique conference.
Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP) 2026 took place May 25-29, 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia. It was hosted this year by the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, bringing together 200+ in-person and virtual participants from more than 50 countries.
What is the CAP Conference?
Organized every two years by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP) is the only large-scale, international conference dedicated exclusively to astronomy communication. CAP is designed specifically for astronomy communicators, educators, outreach professionals, and media specialists, providing a unique opportunity to learn from peers and share niche expertise.
Key Themes and Takeaways
This year’s theme, Democratising Astronomy Communication in the Era of Accessible Artificial Intelligence, explored how AI is transforming science communication. Throughout the week, CAP attendees examined both the opportunities and the ethical considerations presented by rapidly evolving AI technologies.
Throughout the conference, presenters explored creative ways to make astronomy more accessible and engaging for a wide variety of audiences. Sessions showcased ideas like using art, animation, podcasts, film, and interactive exhibits to spark curiosity, and bringing astronomy directly into communities through mobile planetariums and hands-on educational programs. Building on the 2026 theme, some presenters showcased how AI can support image processing, interviews, and other content creation, with an emphasis on how to use it thoughtfully and transparently.
Another recurring theme was accessibility and inclusion. Speakers shared their approaches for reaching underserved communities, designing experiences for people with disabilities, and creating learning opportunities that welcome everyone into astronomy. There was a strong emphasis on building community—encouraging collaboration, curiosity, and a sense of belonging rather than simply delivering information.
Across the conference, one message stood out: astronomy communication is most impactful when it helps people see themselves in the science. Whether through storytelling, shared cultural heritage, or creative visualization, communicators around the world are finding new ways to help audiences connect with complex scientific ideas.
But NSF NRAO wasn’t just there to learn.
NSF NRAO Presents at CAP 2026
NSF NRAO’s Jill Malusky (Senior News and Public Information Manager) and Corrina Jaramillo Feldman (Senior Public Information Officer) presented a workshop at CAP 2026: “Lights, Camera, Astronomy! How to Manage Media Projects at Your Facilities.” NSF NRAO sites like the Very Large Array in New Mexico have been the backdrop for a number of different media projects, from commercials to music videos to movies and tv series like Contact and Pluribus.
Jill and Corrina walked CAP attendees through the media project process, from initial request to contracts, planning, and managing the shoot day-of. They also led workshop attendees in a hands-on exercise to roleplay a screening call between a media producer and astronomy facility staff, giving attendees practical tools they can apply to future media collaborations at their own institutions. A recording of this workshop can be found on IAU’s YouTube channel.
More Than a Conference
CAP 2026 wasn’t all presentations and workshops. Participants also gathered over group meals, toured a few historic sites around Armenia, and also had the opportunity to visit the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, one of Armenia’s premier astronomical research centers.
Despite coming from different countries, cultures, and organizations, CAP attendees shared a common goal: helping more people discover and appreciate astronomy. Conversations continued over meals, during tours, and between sessions as new friendships formed.
CAP 2026 was a wonderful reminder that astronomy has a unique way of bringing people together. No matter where we live, we are all under the same sky.
The next CAP conference will be held in 2028, in Aberdeen, Scotland.
About NRAO
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.