Clara Elena P\u00e9rez Guti\u00e9rrez, a science communication officer at the CSIC\u2019s Casa de la Ciencia in Seville, responsible for programming its planetarium.<\/p>\n
The Casa de la Ciencia in Seville has participated as a co-producer of the 3CLIPSE screening in collaboration with 35 scientific and museum institutions in Spain and Portugal, a joint, transnational effort to bring science to the public.<\/p>\n
The film is now part of the Casa de la Ciencia\u2019s regular programme, which allows us not only to offer an immersive experience but also to draw on the expertise of our educational staff to answer questions and provide practical guidance on safe solar observation during eclipses. In addition, we offer workshops developed with the guidance of CSIC staff, which allow visitors to explore in greater depth not only topics related to eclipses and the Solar System but also other branches of astronomy.<\/p>\n
Our aim is for the public not only to leave with the feeling of having witnessed something spectacular, but also with a better understanding of what is going to happen in the sky and how to enjoy it safely.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t need any prior knowledge of astronomy to enjoy an eclipse. They are astronomical phenomena that we can observe directly and which alter our perception of something as everyday as sunlight. That combination of wonder, spectacle and curiosity is the gateway to science and sparks questions in people who might never have considered exploring this discipline: how the celestial bodies align, how these events can be predicted, what we can learn from them\u2026<\/p>\n
The projection allows viewers to visualise the movements of the Sun, the Moon and the Earth, understand why an eclipse does not occur at every new moon, and discover what distinguishes a total eclipse from an annular one. Furthermore, it links this knowledge to the history of science: from the interpretations of ancient civilisations to the observations that helped validate Einstein\u2019s theory of general relativity, and the advances that now enable us to study the solar corona.<\/p>\n
All of this helps us to understand the importance of observing eclipses. It is not that eclipses are exceptional in global terms \u2013 after all, they occur every year \u2013 but it is indeed exceptional that, in such a short space of time, we are able to witness three solar eclipses in our country, each with different characteristics and offering such excellent viewing opportunities. One need only recall that the last total eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula was in 1912 and lasted a maximum of 2 seconds.<\/p>\n
Seville has the opportunity to channel the interest generated by the eclipses into a long-term programme of scientific and cultural events that extends beyond the days of the eclipse itself. To achieve this, it must capitalise on the presence in the city of both institutions dedicated to the generation and dissemination of knowledge and the aerospace industry; not to mention the recent arrival of the Spanish Space Agency.<\/p>\n
The synergies between all these institutions, which approach eclipses and astronomy from different yet complementary perspectives, are our greatest strength, as they enable us not only to observe the phenomenon, but also to understand it, put it into context and use it as a gateway to the space sciences; as well as linking astronomy with other cultural and educational initiatives.<\/p>\n
For our part, not only are we screening 3CLIPSE, but we also have an extensive programme featuring other planetarium films and workshops covering various aspects of astronomy \u2013 from the Solar System to the search for life on other planets \u2013 all developed in consultation with CSIC researchers in Andalusia. These workshops are not just for children; adults can enjoy them too.<\/p>\n
The City Council\u2019s role, through initiatives such as the Space Forum, is proving to be fundamental. Providing a meeting point for public authorities, research and outreach centres, universities, associations and businesses enables collaborations and synergies to emerge that would otherwise not be possible. And, as we have been saying, these synergies are essential to ensure that interest in astronomy does not wane once these three years are over, but rather that it leads to a greater appreciation of astronomy amongst the public and, perhaps, an increase in the number of people pursuing scientific careers.<\/p>\n
It is an opportunity to link an astronomical event that captures the public\u2019s imagination with a broader strategy for raising awareness and developing the space sector. The key lies in capitalising on this attention to explain not only what an eclipse is, but also how we study the Sun, what instruments we use to observe it, and what technologies make space missions possible. In 3CLIPSE, for example, the study of the solar corona is explored and the European Space Agency\u2019s Proba-3 mission is presented, demonstrating how research into a natural phenomenon can drive highly advanced technological developments.<\/p>\n
Yes, I think it has the potential to generate significant public engagement, because eclipses offer something we don\u2019t always find in other scientific initiatives: a phenomenon visible to the naked eye, which naturally arouses wonder and interest outside specialist circles.<\/p>\n
This enables institutions with very different profiles to find common ground for collaboration. Research centres can contribute knowledge, museums and planetariums can translate this into educational experiences, universities can involve students and researchers, and public authorities can facilitate coordination and broaden the scope of the activities.<\/p>\n
It is also important that the public are not merely recipients of information, but have opportunities to get involved, learn how to observe the phenomenon and share the experience.
\nHowever, achieving a mobilisation on that scale requires planning and coordination. The eclipse can act as a unifying force, but the real outcome will depend on the ability to turn spontaneous interest into a joint, rigorous and accessible programme of events. To this end, the role of the Space Forum is fundamental.<\/p>\n
From our perspective as a public engagement centre affiliated with the CSIC (that is, as part of an institution dedicated to both the production and the dissemination and transfer of knowledge), the eclipse is a unique opportunity to foster curiosity, attract all kinds of audiences to science and plant a seed which, perhaps in the case of the youngest, may eventually blossom into a future scientific vocation leading to a career in research or industry. The challenge lies in making the most of this exceptional event to turn it into a catalyst for future talent.<\/p>\n
What significance does the total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027 hold for Seville and the surrounding area? How will the phenomenon be experienced from the city, to what extent will the Sun be obscured, and what opportunities does the proximity of towns in the province of C\u00e1diz \u2013 where it will be possible to witness totality \u2013 offer?<\/strong><\/p>\n The eclipse on 2 August 2027 will cross the Strait of Gibraltar and will be visible in Andalusia at its peak at around a quarter to eleven in the morning. However, from Seville it will only be visible as a partial eclipse. With 98 per cent of the Sun obscured \u2013 as it will not be completely covered \u2013 we must not remove the approved eclipse glasses. In the province of C\u00e1diz, on the other hand, the eclipse will be visible in its entirety; for example, in the provincial capital, day will turn to night for almost 3 minutes.<\/p>\n