Sunrise and sunset have marked human life at all times. The Sun's energy enabled the evolution of life and continues to enable life on Earth today.
The Sun is the most observed and studied star. In Ireland, in Newgrange, the first records of the Sun can be found on tombstones dating back five thousand years. Today the Sun is extensively investigated using devices on the Earth's surface and in space. The reasons for this study are many and varied. From understanding the influence of solar radiation on Earth's atmosphere to understanding other stars. After all, the Sun is nothing more than one star among a few billion stars that populate our galaxy, the Milky Way.
On the other hand, 80 years ago, the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra began the systematic observation of the photosphere and the solar chromosphere using a spectroheliograph installed by Doctor Francisco Costa Lobo. This instrument continues to be used daily.
This exhibition, in which the Sun is the center, shows the reasons and methods for observing and studying the Sun.
Joint initiative with the Department of Physics.
Collaboration with the European Space Agency.
Exposed panels:
