Free astronomy day at La Atalayita
The La Atalayita settlement interpretation centre in Fuerteventura will host a free astronomy outreach day on 12 August, organised by Fuerteventura Museums to follow the partial solar eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower, two of the most eagerly awaited astronomical phenomena of the year. The programme will include observation with professional telescopes, workshops, astrophotography and the distribution of certified glasses for safely viewing the eclipse.
The programme was presented this Monday by the Fuerteventura Museums councillor, Rayco León, alongside representatives of AstroCiencia Nómada, the entity in charge of developing the activity, which will allow the public to enjoy a scientific and educational experience aimed at all audiences, the Cabildo has reported in a statement.
Exceptional conditions for stargazing
Rayco León explained that La Atalayita offers exceptional conditions for enjoying astronomical observation and noted that “the coincidence of the partial solar eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower makes this event very special, and we want to take advantage of it to bring astronomy closer to the public in a friendly, participatory and accessible way for all audiences”.
From AstroCiencia Nómada, Carlos Muñoz highlighted that “Fuerteventura will be one of the best places in the Canary Islands to observe the eclipse, with an occultation close to 72%”. He also indicated that “as it occurs very close to sunset, it will offer a particularly striking image before giving way to the Perseids meteor shower”.
Programme of activities
The programme will begin at 10:00 with observation of the Sun using professional solar telescopes, accompanied by educational explanations about our star, spectrography demonstrations and the presentation of a meteorite. In addition, attendees will have certified glasses to observe the eclipse in complete safety.
From 16:00, preparations for the eclipse will begin with an educational workshop on the Sun and solar eclipses, leading into observation of the partial eclipse, whose maximum occultation will take place at 19:53. From 21:00, the programme will continue with an astrophotography workshop and observation of the Perseids shower. Participants will be able to help count and photograph shooting stars and enjoy viewing Saturn and the deep sky thanks to the specialised astronomical equipment available during the day.
Certified safety glasses available
The event will feature professional solar telescopes and scientific instruments that will bring astronomy to the public in a didactic and participatory way, offering a unique experience to observe the solar eclipse, the Perseids and the night sky from one of Fuerteventura’s most remarkable heritage sites.
In order to facilitate participation in observing the solar eclipse on 12 August, the organisation will carry out an advance distribution of certified solar observation glasses with CE certification, until stocks run out. Likewise, on 12 August itself, glasses will also be handed out at the La Atalayita settlement interpretation centre during the event, and at the event organised by the Department of Education and Youth to mark International Youth Day.
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