The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) has scheduled two open days at the Teide Observatory in Tenerife on June 22nd and 23rd, coinciding with the week of the summer solstice. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour various telescopes, learn about their use, and observe the Sun live.
According to the IAC, this opportunity, jointly organised by the Teide Observatory and the Communication and Scientific Culture Unit (UC3), is part of the Institute's outreach efforts. The aim is to give the public "a first-hand look at one of the best observatories in the world, its innovative infrastructure, the exceptional work of its staff, and the significant astrophysical research conducted there", they said.
Each visit is free of charge and lasts three hours, with two daily sessions from 10:00am to 1:00pm and then 4:00pm to 7:00pm. The tour includes nine informative stops, hosted by IAC researchers and technicians. Movement within the Observatory will primarily be on foot along paths, with explanations in Spanish.
Due to space limitations and restricted parking, each session will accommodate 225 visitors, totalling 900 people over the two days. Only visitors arriving in cars (with at least four occupants) or in other vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles will be admitted, as explained by the IAC.
To take part, you must register online at the IAC website, with slots assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is open from now until Monday, 17th June. Register here: www.iac.es
The Observatory's car park will be open from 9:00am for the morning session and from 3:00pm for the afternoon session. Attendees are advised to arrive approximately 30 minutes before the start of the tour.
