Celebrating Summer Solstice

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Image courtesy of CosmoCaixa

On the occasion of the approaching summer solstice, CosmoCaixa is celebrating this astronomical event with a series of activities in Science Square which will observe the Sun, analyze its characteristics and enjoy science, humor and music.

From 16:00 to 18:00

There will be solar observations by Aster (Barcelona Astronomical Association). Observation of the Sun in white light, with telescopes equipped with filters for possible viewing of solar activity and sunspots. A refracting telescope will be available to observe the movement of the Sun and telescopes with Hα filters to discover solar protuberances.

16:30 and 17:30

There will be an observation of the Sun's movement around the gnomon (the piece that casts the shadow on a sundial) and explanations of analemma (the curve describing the Sun's position in the sky) by Aster.

19:00

There will be scientific monologues about the Sun by Big Van Science: where Helena González Burón, PhD in Biomedicine, will talk about the need we humans have for UV rays and how the balance between the production of vitamin D and the danger of mutations has defined the gradation of our skin tones. Xavier Luri Carrascoso, professor of astronomy and quantum physics at the UB, will share anecdotes about the birth and death of the Sun and stars similar to it. Jorge Nicolás Álvarez, aerospace engineer, will reveal how the Sun plays a fundamental role in the conquest of Mars. Oriol Marimon Garrido, PhD in organic chemistry, will talk about the thermonuclear reactions generated in the Sun and will perform a live experiment.

21:00

A concert by Tori Sparks and her trio. Born in the city of the blues, Chicago, this American singer-songwriter has lived in Barcelona for the past decade. She is known for her unique fusion of musical styles, such as rock and blues with flamenco, the result of which is an impeccable, stylistically daring musical amalgam. For this celebration she has created a repertoire made up of her own songs and other songs with lyrics related to the sun or the summertime.

For more events check our online events calendar.