Astronomical conference organised by the Institut Mallorquí de Ciències del'Espai. Friday, August 12
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
The Perseid Night will take place on Friday, August 12, at the houses of Galatzó, organised by the Institut Mallorquí de Ciències de l'Espai (IMCE) in collaboration with the Calvià Town Hall and whose agreement was signed this morning, by the Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Trade and Urban Planning, Antonio García Moles, and the President of the IMCE, Lluc Mas, with the presence of the Councillor for Commerce, Activities and Environment, Francisca Muñoz.
This activity, conceived from a scientific observation viewpoint, will feature explanations of experts such as Lluc Mas, President of the IMCE. The IMCE is an association of scientific aspect whose purpose, amongst others, is to promote the scientific research and dissemination of the Space Science in the Balearic Islands and contribute to create scientific vocations, and disseminate the values of both, science and knowledge between the population in general.
With the activity La Nit de les Perseides a les cases de Galatzó is intended, precisely, to disseminate the scientific knowledge of Perseids amongst the population, while enjoying an astronomical day in a unique setting such as the houses of the estate of Galatzó.
Planetary conjunction of Mars, Saturn and the Moon
The Perseid meteor shower, or tears of St. Lawrence, is the most active year-round. It takes place in mid-August, fact that makes it the most followed meteor shower throughout the year. Friday's forecast indicates a storm of stars of up to 200 meteors per hour, according to the journal Space.com
Furthermore, the planetary conjunction of Mars, Saturn and the Moon will be able to be seen, exceptionally, with telescopes in the houses of Galatzó.
Observation of Perseids, in the place where François Aragó culminated metre measurements
The Galatzó mountain is known as the magic mountain by the legends that surround it. But not only the fantastic gathers in Galatzó but also it has been the scenario of scientific research.
One of the prominent figures who were in Galatzó was the researcher François Aragó. Born in the French Rossellón, this scholar went to the mountain of Galatzó in Spring of 1808 to carry out measurements on the meridian of Paris. Therefore, he settled on the top of s'Esclop, where the dry stone hut he ordered to be built to perform his works still preserves.
PROGRAMMING OF DAY 12:
7 p.m.: Start of activities. People participating in the activity will leave the Calvià sports centre with a shuttle bus towards the Houses of Galatzó. This bus will be active from 7 p.m. to 1 am, end time of the activity.
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Beginning of the course. Summer constellations of Lluc Mas ( the course's participants will go directly to the houses, they will not go by shuttle bus). Location: one of the Clastra's rooms.
7.30 p.m.: Start of activities in the Houses of Galatzó. Activities' duration: 30 minutes.
Guided tour of the houses (in small groups).
Introduction to the Perseid phenomenon (explanation with rain projector. Origin, other significant rainfall, rainfall calendar, maximum falling stars per hour ...), in small groups. Location: Room attached to the clastra.
Observation of the Moon and planets with telescopes. Telescopes will be located in the recreation area (next to the laundry) for the observation of celestial bodies.
8.30 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Start of dinner (tremponada, Majorcan salad) and music with the group of Galician bagpipers Anaquiños. Location: area in front of the Houses.
10 p.m.: Start of the observation of Perseids at first sight with an expert (in small groups), in the area in front of the stables.
Start of the free observation of Perseids, in the laundry area.
Continuation of the observation with telescopes in the laundry area.
1 a.m.: Departure of the last shuttle bus and end of activities.
Places are limited. PRICE: 10 euros.
More information for reservations:
reserves@mallorcastarlight.com
www.mallorcastarlight.com
Telephones: 971 919 166 - 601 257 735