More than 200 people, including residents of Escúzar and visitors from other towns, took part on August 12 in the science outreach event organised by IFMIF-DONES and the Escúzar Town Council to mark the solar eclipse. Held entirely at La Cruz Mocha in the town of Granada, the event combined science outreach and astronomical observation to bring the eclipse closer to the public and explain its connection to fusion energy research.

The event began with a talk by Alejandro Rodríguez Barroso, a member of IFMIF-DONES, who explained the characteristics of solar eclipses, recommendations for observing them, and some of the scientific principles related to this phenomenon.

During the talk, Rodríguez Barroso also established a connection between the eclipse and the research that will be carried out at IFMIF-DONES, using the astronomical phenomenon as an accessible analogy to explain the purpose of the future facility:

“The eclipse is an allegory for what is done at DONES: fusion takes place in the Sun, and what we will do here is find materials capable of withstanding the irradiation generated by future fusion reactors. During this eclipse, we block the Sun’s radiation using the materials that make up the glasses,” he explained.

Before the observation, certified solar viewing glasses were distributed, made available thanks to the collaboration between the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and ONCE. Attendees were also given guidance on the necessary safety measures for observing the eclipse.

Following the talk, participants were able to observe the eclipse from La Cruz Mocha, enjoying the partial phase visible from Granada. The activity provided an opportunity to put the safety recommendations explained during the event into practice and to observe the astronomical phenomenon safely.