From Montsec to the universe: come and observe the sky with us!

2023-05-06

18:00

IEEC | Other

From Montsec to the universe: come and observe the sky with us!

Have you ever wondered how the Montsec Observatory (OdM), managed by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya — IEEC) in Sant Esteve de la Sarga, works or do you want to learn more about the stars that can be seen in the sky?

Don’t miss the event ‘From Montsec to the universe’ (Del Montsec a l'univers), an outreach event to enjoy the Montsec sky, organised on 6 May by the representation of the association Women in Aerospace Europe in Barcelona (WIA-E Barcelona) and the IEEC.

This event is part of the Joan Oró year, which celebrates the centenary of the birth of the Catalan biochemist, one of the most important scientists of the 20th century for his studies on the origins of life, among others. His discovery, which culminated in 1959, of how a primitive Earth could have produced adenine (one of the main components of DNA) made him a world-renowned figure. He also advised NASA on the Apollo moon projects and, most notably, on the design of the Viking missions to Mars, which further enhanced his reputation.

The main telescope of the Montsec Observatory is called the Joan Oró Telescope (TJO), in his honour.

Programme

18:00. Meeting in front of the Montsec Observatory, in the area of Coll d’Ares, in Sant Esteve de la Sarga.
18:15 – 19:15. Guided visit to the Observatory.
19:30 – 20:30. Gymkhana in the open air. A little adventure to have some fun while it gets dark! For young and old.
20:30 – 21:30. Picnic (please bring it from home).
21:30 – 23:00. Sky observation with Kike Herrero, technical director of the Montsec Observatory (OdM – IEEC). The Montsec area is certified as a Starlight Reserve, awarded by the Starlight Foundation and endorsed by UNESCO.

Therefore, it will be necessary to bring: