The largest telescope in Catalunya

The Montsec Astronomical Observatory (OAdM) organized the first guided visits to their facilities

Montsec Astronomical Observatory

Zoom astronomical research done in Catalonia and display the instruments used to perform it. That is the aim of the guided tours Montsec Astronomical Observatory (OAdM), the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) will start organizing from May 1, one Sunday a month during summer visits.

The OAdM is the largest facility of astronomical research in Catalonia and one of the most advanced in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe. It works for 10 years and is located in the town of Sant Esteve de la Sarga, in Lleida, near the Parc Astronomical Montsec, dedicated to the popularization of astronomy.

“The Montsec sky is the best in Catalunya to watch the space, both for its climate and the quality of the dark sky. The conditions are excellent for high-level astronomy, “explains Big Vang Kike Herrero, IEEC astronomer working in the OAdM.

Unlike visits already performed at the Parc Astronòmic, the majority night, in the case of Observatori be day, at 12 noon. And they let you see the telescope Joan Oró, the largest in Catalunya with 80 cm in diameter, and one of the most advanced in Europe in robotics; Fabra-ROA also Montsec Montsec and XO-telescopes themselves as the All-Sky camera, which used to detect dangerous meteors and asteroids near Earth.

“It is very necessary that society knows the research carried out in astronomy in Catalonia and also that we have an observatory frontline working with several powerful telescopes,” notes Smith, who explains that researchers OAdM teach the public the research they perform, how telescopes, how are launched, what types of data collected and how the astronomers analyzed to extract relevant information and learn new things about the universe work. The idea is that visitors, says Herrero, become ‘one morning astronomers’.

“We believe it is part of our work to return part of the research in astronomy we make to society. And one way is also like sharing our knowledge, “consider this astronomer.

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Barcelona 85 days without rain

Barcelona, within walking distance of its record without rain

Fabra Observatory Barcelona

Drought threatens the city of Barcelona, ​​that today even its record (1928) of days without rain or rain less than a liter per square meter. If it does not rain tomorrow, the Catalan capital will have covered its longest dry spell since systematic records began in 1914, according to data series Fabra Observatory, situated at the foot of Tibidabo.

Since November 4, it has hardly rained in Barcelona. If you consider all the water falling in these 85 days, the sum yields just 1.5 l / m2, a negligible amount. It has been exceeded, so the previous record of 70 days with less precipitation per liter per square meter, which dates from 2007, when the last major drought was conceived. You have to go back to 1928 to find a similar situation. Then, there was a dry period between May 22 and August 14. And a curiosity: “If you count the days without rain or with less than or equal to one liter per square meter rains, the dry spell is the continuation of 1928, which would total 108 days,” says Alfons Puertas meteorologist Fabra Observatory.

All this comes after a year with very few rainfall. Last year, in Barcelona, ​​only they fell 345.8l / m2, considerably less than the previous driest, according to the historical series, which was 1937 (401.8 liters) year. Another highlight more record: 2015 was the warmest year (16,6 ° C, tied with 2006).

This lack of rain has not resulted in the image of very dry trees or plants or agonizing situation. Luck for vegetation, unlike what occurred with previous records, is now drought occurs in winter when the plants need less water. “In winter, the life cycle of plants is slowed. There is so much evaporation and water loss and summer, “explains Alfons doors.
The weatherman says that there is a trend towards a decrease in rainfall in Barcelona. “We found a great irregularity, no clear trend in the last century,” says Gates. Instead, it is obvious that heating in Barcelona, ​​as confirmed by records from the eighties of the last century.

The shortage of rainfall has not resulted so far in a lack of water reserves to supply in the region of Barcelona and Girona, as reservoirs of the Ter and Llobregat are at 71.9% of its maximum capacity. However, the decline in its level is becoming worrying. “The water reserves in the reservoirs are down 20 points from last year. Autumn shot failed and now we played in the spring, “says Ignacio Escudero, CEO of Aguas de Barcelona, ​​to remember the contributions of rainfall occur mainly in autumn and spring, and the ability to the inland basins to store resources is very limited.

Experts believe that in the region Barcelona a drought occurs every five years. They have earned water resources through the desalination of El Prat, but there is still a structural deficit of water.

In Barcelona, ​​they now consume 104 liters a day per person. “We are the European city, with Copenhagen and Brussels, which consume less water,” Escudero added. Since 2007 consumption has been reduced by 20% (about 55 hm3al year, almost equivalent to the ability to produce drinking water from desalination of El Prat). And what is due this reduction? “The 70 percent is due to a reduction in demand; a more rational use of water is made with taps, cisterns or more adapted appliances, and 30% was achieved through improved management, including control of leaks, “Escudero said.

Experience shows that the locals, when they reduce their consumption after a drought, maintain those habits.

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