ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION – SPACE WEEK

The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències invites you to a free astronomical observation event as part of Space Week next Thursday, 10th October, from 20:00 to 22:30, at the Astronomy Garden in the Umbracle. This activity, which is free until full capacity is reached, will allow attendees to explore the details of the lunar surface and the rings of Saturn through five telescopes.

Observation of the Moon:

During the observation, the Moon will be in its crescent phase, with 50% of its surface illuminated. This is the perfect time to see the three-dimensional reliefs of its surface, especially in the terminator zone (the boundary between lunar day and night). Participants will enjoy spectacular views of craters such as Ptolemaeus, Alphonsus, and Arzachel, as well as the mountains Montes Alpes and Montes Apenninus. Lunar seas like Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquillitatis, the latter famous for being the Apollo 11 landing site, will also be visible.

Observation of Saturn:

At 1.4 billion kilometers from Earth, Saturn reveals its grandeur. Although its rings will be almost edge-on and less visible than at other times, this alignment will allow us to appreciate the planet’s remarkable polar flattening and some cloud bands parallel to the equator, such as the North Equatorial Band. We will also be able to observe several of its moons, including Titan and Rhea, which will appear close to the planet’s surface.

Interesting Facts About Saturn:

Saturn is the second-largest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of 120,000 km.
Its rings, composed of rock and ice, extend for 270,000 km.
It is the only planet with a density less than that of water, meaning it could float on water.
Its equatorial winds can reach speeds of up to 1,800 km/h.