7 essential talks to understand the total eclipse in Tarragona
Tarragona prepares to witness a total solar eclipse that will not be seen again for decades. Seven free educational talks will bring the astronomical phenomenon closer from different perspectives, from astrophysics to economics and psychology.
Organized by the Rovira i Virgili University and the Tarragona City Council, the series will take place from May 19 to July 16 at Casa Canals, with local and international experts bringing scientific knowledge to the community.
The series: a multidisciplinary look at the total solar eclipse
What it is and how to observe it safely
The first session, on May 19, is titled “Watching the eclipse: astrophysics, art, and safe observation”. Carlos García, an astrophysicist from URV, and Pere Romero, an ophthalmology expert, will explain the physical nature of the phenomenon and how to protect your eyesight during this celestial spectacle.
Social and economic impacts in Tarragona
On May 26, the talk “Total eclipse: what happens in the sky, how it affects people, and its impact on the territory” will analyze the eclipse from a perspective blending psychology, economics, and astronomy. Local experts such as Manel Sanromà and Josep Maria Arauzo will present the social and economic repercussions the event may have in the province.
History, culture, and science: the phenomenon through time and space
Myths and legends that still speak to us
The third session, on June 2, will address how the eclipse has been interpreted by different cultures. Jesús Carruesco and Emili Samper, specialists in culture and folklore, along with Licia Buttà, a researcher in medieval art, will reveal the importance of this phenomenon in literature, art, and popular beliefs.
The solar system and the search for life
On June 9, Marina Martínez will speak about meteorites and extraterrestrial rocks that explain the origin of the solar system and the conditions that allowed life. Later, on June 30, Joan Anton Català will pose the big question: “Is there anyone out there?”, exploring the search for alien life.
Technology and the future: astrobiology and the elements that make us
Detecting life light years away
Ignasi Ribas, on July 7, will explain how new technologies and space missions seek habitable planets beyond our solar system, opening a new era in astrobiology.
Where is carbon forged?
The closing of the series, on July 16, will be led by Eva Villaver, who will talk about the astrophysical processes that explain the origin of the chemical elements essential to life, such as carbon, and their importance for human existence.
With this series, Tarragona is not only preparing to look at the sky on August 12, but wants to do so with a critical and informed perspective, understood from the scientific and cultural roots surrounding a total eclipse.
All sessions are free and open until capacity is reached, and will be held at Casa Canals in Tarragona. Don’t miss the opportunity to get closer to one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena from our territory.
Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University
