20,000-peso Banknote - Julio Garavito Armero Commemorative Edition
Tribute to Julio Garavito Armero
The 20,000-peso banknote was put into circulation on 02 December 1996, thereby paying tribute to one of the country's most important scientists: Julio Garavito Armero.
As an engineer and mathematician, Garavito was director of the National Astronomical Observatory, where he carried out his most important work: he organized a plan for meteorological observations, undertook the task of calculating the latitude of Bogotá using a method he had invented, planned the organization of the Bureau of Latitudes, and began the construction of tables that made it possible to predict the irregularities observed in the lunar orbit.
The recognition given to him by the International Astronomical Union by naming a group of Selenite craters on the far side of the Moon after him is a testament to his importance.
Dr. Garavito was linked to monetary affairs when, around 1885, he worked as an assayer at the Mint, and later, between 1909 and 1912 when he worked on political economy issues.
The Bank also acknowledges the work of the artist, Juan Cárdenas, who was in charge of the general design of the banknote and would like to thank all those who were involved in one way or another in this process for their assistance.
