OBSERVATION: DOUBLE STARS AND JUPITER

To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Hemisfèric, the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències invites the public to a free astronomical observation focusing on double stars and the planet Jupiter.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, at 9:30 PM at the Umbracle’s Astronomy Garden, a prime location for stargazing in the heart of Valencia. During the session (open until full capacity is reached), attendees will explore some of the most fascinating objects visible at this time of year, guided by expert staff who will explain how to locate them and the secrets they hold.

Double Stars: Binary Systems

Double stars, also known as binary systems, are pairs of stars that orbit a common center of gravity. Observing them through a telescope reveals striking color contrasts: blues, golds, and deep reds.

During the session, we will observe some of the best-known double stars of the season, accompanied by brief educational explanations to help identify them and understand their importance in modern astronomical research. Highlights include:

• • Mizar (ζ Ursae Majoris): Located in the constellation Ursa Major (the Big Dipper). At 83 light-years away, it is a multiple system that splits into Mizar A and Mizar B through a telescope.
  • Algieba (γ Leonis): Found in the head of the constellation Leo. A pair of golden-orange giants 130 light-years away.
  • Iota Cancri (ι Cancri): Located in the constellation Cancer. It is famous for the contrast between its yellow primary star and its bluish companion.
  • Cor Caroli (α Canum Venaticorum): Meaning “Charles’s Heart” in honor of King Charles I of England; it is the brightest star in Canes Venatici. A system of two white components 110 light-years away.

Jupiter and its Entourage:

We will also observe Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System. Composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, it is famous for its cloud bands and the well-known Great Red Spot.

To the naked eye, Jupiter shines brightly and does not flicker like stars. Through a telescope, its equatorial bands become visible. During this session, the four Galilean moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—will appear aligned to the east of the planet, all positioned on the same side.

Deep Sky: During the observation, we will also showcase deep-sky objects such as the Whirlpool Galaxy.

Information:

*Activity subject to weather conditions.