On August 10, 11, and 12, the IAC—coinciding with the teams’ presence in Palencia for training ahead of their work on the NATE project during the eclipse—will host an extensive program of educational activities spread across several of the city’s most popular venues and other towns in the province. These are the locations where science, outreach, and—why not?—fun and celebration will come together:
Cerro del Otero
The true heart of the entire program. A prime spot from which to take in the entire spectacle, where, starting on the afternoon of the 12th, the public is invited to enjoy and share in the exciting anticipation, the moment of the eclipse, and the Perseid meteor shower that follows.
It will be an event that combines science—with NATE teams working in full view of the public—a live stream of the event, and entertainment—with the highlight being a performance by the Opus One orchestra, which will perform Mike Oldfield’s magical trilogy, consisting of *Tubular Bells*, Hergest Ridge, and Ommadawan—and educational presentations from the main stage by Valentín Martínez Pillet, director of the IAC, who will discuss the solar corona; and Alejandra Goded (IAC), who will discuss the Perseids.
Teatro Principal
On the 10th, this iconic venue in the city will host the opening talk, led by Valentín Martínez Pillet, who will break down for us what the unforgettable show we are about to see will entail.
In addition, on the mornings of the 11th and 12th, there will be sessions in English—led by Kevin Reardon (NSO) and Lindsay House (University of Chicago)—and in Arabic—led by Youssef Moulane (UM6P) and Badiaa Ait Ahmed (IAC).
Plaza Mayor
On the 11th, as night falls, José Carlos del Toro (IAA), Irene Puerto, and Pablo Redondo (IAC) will liven up the evening with a series of talks—including some humorous moments—in a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the city. The Sun, astrology, and the challenges of astronomical instrumentation will be the main topics of the talks.
Parque del Salón de Isabel II
On the mornings of the 11th and 12th, this “lung of the city” will host science workshops for families, led by IAC volunteers, to introduce participants to the fascinating—and safe—practice of observing the Sun and discovering its secrets.
Other locations
For the IAC, it was a priority from the very beginning to extend its outreach activities to other towns in the province that have a long tradition of astronomical observation. Furthermore, their longstanding connection to the Camino de Santiago—where the night sky holds great symbolic significance—makes them ideal places to prepare for and experience the eclipse.
Thus, in Frómista on the 8th, the entire program will kick off with a talk by Eva Villaver (deputy director of the IAC) at the Church of Santa María del Castillo, focusing on how our approach to eclipses has evolved, from the mythical to the scientific. On the 11th, Juan Carlos Pérez Arencibia (former director of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory) will speak about his experience leading this center.
Meanwhile, on the 10th, Carrión de los Condes will host a talk by Jorge Pérez Gallego (coordinator of the NATE project) at the Sarabia Theater on the intersection of science and art when it comes to depicting the sky.
In Osorno, Pablo Redondo will be the featured speaker on the 11th, offering a lighthearted look at the work of astronomers.
On the 11th in Villalcázar de Sirga, Gaia Lacedelli (IAC) will guide us through the fascinating search for habitable worlds among distant exoplanets.
Finally, on the 10th, 11th, and 12th, workshops will be held as part of the towns’ summer programs, led by Alejandra Goded, Gaia Lacedelli, and Jorge Pérez Gallego.
You can view the detailed schedule here.
