Join Us for a Celestial Celebration: Solar Observation, Workshops, a Partial Solar Eclipse, and the Perseid Meteor Shower!
The Cabildo, through the Museums of Fuerteventura, is excited to announce a free astronomical outreach event on August 12, coinciding with two of the year’s most anticipated celestial phenomena: a partial solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower.
This unique program was unveiled today by Rayco León, the Fuerteventura Museums’ Councilor, alongside representatives from AstroCiencia Nómada, the organization responsible for organizing this engaging experience. Designed for the general public, the event promises a fun and informative exploration of the cosmos.
Rayco León emphasized, “La Atalayita offers exceptional conditions for astronomical observation. The simultaneous occurrence of both the partial solar eclipse and the Perseids makes this day particularly special. We want to leverage this opportunity to make astronomy accessible and engaging for everyone.”
Carlos Muñoz from AstroCiencia Nómada highlighted, “Fuerteventura will rank among the best places in the Canary Islands for observing the eclipse, with approximately 72% obscuration. Moreover, as it will occur close to sunset, attendees will be treated to a stunning view before transitioning to the beautiful Perseid meteor shower.”
An Enchanting Day Under the Stars
The day’s activities will kick off at 10:00 AM with solar observations using professional solar telescopes. Attendees will receive insightful explanations about our sun, witness spectrograph demonstrations, and even see a meteorite up close. Everyone will also receive certified solar viewing glasses to ensure safe eclipse watching.
At 4:00 PM, preparations for the solar eclipse will begin with an informative workshop focusing on the sun and solar eclipses, leading up to the peak moment of the eclipse at 7:53 PM.
As night falls at 9:00 PM, participants can engage in astrophotography workshops while observing the dazzling Perseid meteor shower. Everyone will have the chance to count and photograph meteors, plus enjoy views of Saturn and the deeper night sky with specialized astronomical equipment available throughout the event.
This program will provide professional solar telescopes and scientific instruments, creating a hands-on, participatory astronomy experience. It promises to be a unique opportunity to witness the solar eclipse, the Perseids, and the nighttime sky from one of Fuerteventura’s most remarkable heritage sites.
The event is free and open to all, with no prior registration required. For additional details and the full program, visit: https://culturafuerteventura.es/evento/eclipse-solar-las-perseidas/
Safe Eclipse Viewing: Eyewear Distribution
To facilitate participation in safely observing the solar eclipse on August 12, the organizers will distribute certified solar viewing glasses until supplies run out.
Glasses can be collected from the following locations:
- Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura.
- Ecomuseum La Alcogida.
- Interpretation Center of the Battles of El Cuchillete and Tamasite.
- Grain Museum La Cilla.
- Cultural and Heritage Complex of La Ampuyenta.
- Citzen Service Offices of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura in Morro Jable.
- Citizen Service Offices of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura in Gran Tarajal.
- Museums of Fuerteventura Information Kiosk on Primero de Mayo Street (Puerto del Rosario), open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Moreover, on August 12, glasses will also be distributed at the Interpretation Center of La Atalayita during the event, as well as at activities organized by the Ministry of Education and Youth in honor of International Youth Day.
To ensure that as many people as possible can safely enjoy the eclipse, the distribution will be limited to a maximum of two pairs of glasses per person while supplies last. It is recommended to collect them in advance to guarantee availability.
