Amado Carbonell: "Any observation point in Mallorca will collapse"

PalmaAmado Carbonell has traveled Mallorca by car to mark the official eclipse observation points in collaboration with the Government of the Balearic Islands. Furthermore, he is the president of the Mallorca Institute of Astronomy and Astronautics Foundation (FIAAM) and the Andratx Astronomical Association.

How did you travel Mallorca and what exactly were you looking for at each location?

— The route began in Sóller and passed through Andratx, Playa de Palma, Ses Salines, Portocristo, Capdepera, Alcúdia and Pollença, then went inland. I did it, only with my car, a compass and a sextant. We sought to see the horizon perfectly, that nothing obstructed the view. 

What is the best spot on the island to watch the eclipse?

— Any point where the horizon can be seen, because they will see the entire evolution from the eclipse to the sunset. On the plain, they will see, from the observation points, how the sun then sets on the mountain. 

What seemingly ideal place has disappointed you the most?

— So, from the Mallorca observatory (in Costitx) it will not be visible. 

Is it necessary to travel or is it advisable to stay close to home?

— I recommend, if possible, that they watch it from their homes. That they do not make unnecessary trips to avoid collapses and queues. Afterwards, if they have to move, that they go with time. I have recommended to my friends who are going to the Pla area that they leave at 2 p.m. That they go with time and get a spot, with a lot of calm and tranquility. From 3-4 p.m. the queues will start, people will get anxious and it won't be worth it. If you can see it at your home, it's better to see it from there.

Which areas can collapse?

— I think the whole island will suffer the consequences. Any observation point will collapse; be it Santa Ponça or Felanitx. 

And is Mallorca prepared for this collapse?

— Mallorca, in theory, is prepared. We have a Government that has been working with commissions to prepare us for the event.

Will it be completely dark?

— In general, yes, but in some areas a little light will be seen on the horizon to the north and south, the moon does not manage to cover all the sunlight.

When will the temperature drop?

— The temperature will drop a few degrees, it will be noticeable. 

How will the animals react?

— The animals are confused, for them it is a somewhat strange thing. We will see that the birds will try to return to their nests and will move a lot in groups.

What colors and phenomena can we observe there?

— Normally, the white light of the Sun refracts in raindrops and disperses into colors. With an eclipse, we have another type of light that crosses the mountains and valleys of the Moon's relief, it is pure light. This forms Baily's beads and the diamond ring. The solar corona will also be seen. 

What is the interest of the eclipse?

— For humanity, eclipses have had great mythological value since ancient Mesopotamia, in areas like ancient Europe, the Americas, and Indo-European cultures. It was seen as a curse, as a beast that ate the sun: for the Chinese, for example, it was a dragon; for the Vikings, a wolf. Therefore, they made a lot of noise to scare away the beast. Since, for them, it worked, they repeated it every time there was an eclipse.

And for scientists? 

— For scientists, the Moon is the most important instrument for inspecting the solar corona. Otherwise, it has to be done with telescopes, which is also done. The problem with this eclipse is that it will be too close to the horizon and will prevent us from collecting data. But with this event, the Sun and temperature can be studied with just one instrument: the Moon. 

What will we experience during the 96 seconds of darkness?

— It is a life-changing experience: it is something you have never seen and know you will never see again. In the Balearic Islands, it has not been seen for more than a hundred years. Our reference star, the Sun, goes out for a few moments. It is like seeing Jupiter for the first time, something inside you changes.

What mistakes can make us miss the eclipse or put our sight at risk?

— To not miss the eclipse, we need foresight and planning, to follow official advice and recommendations. Above all, go with time and use the filters and approved glasses to see the eclipse.  

Are clouds the only threat or are haze and humidity also a threat?

— For the moment the forecast is good, there is one week left, but we will have to see. Regarding the haze, it should not impede visibility; yesterday in Andratx the sun was clearly visible. 

Where will you be on August 12th? After a year of preparing it, will you be able to enjoy it?

— I will be at an observation point with the team and some media outlets.