Iberian Eclipse Study
Spain Deploys Coordinated Telescope Network with US, Morocco for Solar Corona Study
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Spain is set to deploy a coordinated network of telescopes across the Iberian Peninsula to study the solar corona during a series of partial solar eclipses known as 'eclipses ibéricos.' The initiative is led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) and will involve students, teachers, and professional astronomers working together, according to El Periódico de Aragón.
The project will also operate in collaboration with Morocco and the United States, making it an international scientific effort. The goal is to capture detailed observations of the Sun's outer atmosphere — the corona — which is normally invisible to the naked eye, according to Levante EMV.
What Are the 'Eclipses Ibéricos' and Why They Matter
The 'eclipses ibéricos' are a sequence of partial solar eclipses visible from Spain and Portugal. During these events, the Moon blocks part of the Sun's disk. This creates a rare chance to observe the solar corona — the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere — with ground-based telescopes, according to Diario de Mallorca.
The solar corona is one of the Sun's greatest mysteries. It reaches temperatures above one million degrees Celsius, far hotter than the Sun's surface. Understanding it could help scientists predict dangerous solar storms that affect satellites and power grids on Earth, Diario Córdoba reported.
IAC Coordinates a Nationwide Network of Observation Points
The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias is coordinating telescope stations at multiple locations across Spain. Each station will record the same eclipse at the same time. Combining data from all points gives scientists a much richer picture than any single telescope could provide, according to El Correo Gallego.
The network approach is key. By spreading telescopes across hundreds of kilometers, researchers can filter out local weather interference. If clouds block one station, others can still collect clean data. This makes the observation campaign far more reliable, La Opinión de Murcia noted.
Students and Teachers Join Professional Astronomers in the Field
The project is not just for professional scientists. Students and teachers from across Spain will take part directly. They will operate telescopes, collect data, and contribute real observations to the scientific effort, according to El Día.
This educational dimension is a core part of the initiative. By involving young people in live research, the IAC hopes to spark interest in astronomy and science. Participants will work side by side with professional astronomers, not just watch from the sidelines, Información reported.
Morocco and the United States Join the Cross-Border Scientific Push
Spain is not working alone. Morocco will host additional telescope stations, extending the observation network beyond the Iberian Peninsula. The United States is also a partner, likely contributing expertise and equipment, according to La Provincia.
This international cooperation gives the campaign a much wider geographic reach. More observation points across different countries means more data and a better chance of success. It also sets a model for future cross-border solar research efforts, El Periódico Extremadura reported.
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