Reus prepares for the solar eclipse on August 12 with science and activities

A total solar eclipse will transform Reus on August 12 into one of Catalonia’s key points to observe a phenomenon that isn’t seen every day. The influx of visitors and special programming will turn the city into a scientific and cultural epicenter for families and astronomy lovers.

The Reus City Council announced this Monday, May 11, the activities, security measures, and special device to ensure a safe and educational experience at Parc de la Festa, the central point for observation and outreach. Experts from the Rovira i Virgili University and space exploration professionals sponsor the program, with collaboration from the Generalitat and the Diputació.

The special device for an eclipse expected to be crowded

A large observation point at Parc de la Festa

On August 12, Parc de la Festa will become the only large area set up in Reus to follow the total solar eclipse. Services include restrooms, food trucks, and family activity zones that will make the day more than just watching the sky.

The city is among the 20 Catalan municipalities recommended by the Generalitat to watch the eclipse, ensuring great mobilization of local and visiting public.

Mobility and safety to avoid congestion

With the forecast of a high turnout, the City Council has launched a special device asking attendees to follow instructions to guarantee smooth access and a staggered exit. This will avoid traffic jams and risky situations after the phenomenon.

The security and mobility devices have been designed thinking about participants’ comfort and tranquility, but also the protection of the area and its surroundings.

Outreach and educational activities for all audiences

Conferences and workshops with URV experts and space professionals

The program kicks off with the conference “Let Nothing Eclipse You!”, by Joan Dalmau, an engineer with experience at the European Space Agency, opening the series of talks and outreach days on June 10 and 17.

Astrophysicists from the Rovira i Virgili University lead exhibitions, astronomical photography workshops, and family activities. Films such as Gravity and Apollo XIII will also be screened in open-air sessions.

Educational and cultural involvement

Reus schools will participate with talks like “When the Sun Hides: the Secret of Eclipses,” given by photographer and environmental educator Pep Aguadé. Additionally, the Reus Museum will host the photo exhibition “Under the Same Sky,” devoted to nighttime astronomical photography.

The Xavier Amorós Central Library will also offer activities such as “Wine, Glosa, and Stars,” and sessions with inflatable planetariums to bring astronomy closer to all citizens.

Recommendations and measures to observe the eclipse safely

Mandatory eye protection

Looking at the sun without appropriate protection can cause irreversible damage. Therefore, it is recommended to use glasses with certified solar filters according to ISO 12312-2, or to use telescopes with approved filters or indirect observation methods such as the pinhole system.

All safety instructions and observation tools are available at eclipsicatalunya.cat, along with maps and technical information to not miss any detail of the phenomenon.

Consult and plan your experience

The complete and updated programming can be consulted on the websites eclipsicatalunya.cat/agenda-activitats and reus.cat, to ensure you don’t miss any event or recommendation. The activities are designed for families and for those who want to delve into the science of astronomy with top professionals.

Reus has achieved that a solar eclipse is not only an astronomical phenomenon but a scientific and cultural celebration for the entire city.

Science is not just watched, it is lived. And Reus has already set its telescope on the sky.

Source of the article: Reus City Council