Discover the legacy of the Coimbra Spectroheliograph, which provided one of the most extensive continuous series of solar observations globally. The exhibition details how the telescope transformed solar study through specific wavelengths and solidified Portugal’s role in modern astrophysics.
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This exhibition celebrates the centennial of the Coimbra Spectroheliograph, a landmark instrument that introduced astrophysics to Portugal in 1926. Visitors can explore the history of this pioneering solar telescope, which provided one of the longest continuous series of solar observations in the world.
The exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Coimbra Spectroheliograph, a vital scientific instrument that placed Portugal at the forefront of international astronomy. Conceived in 1926 under the leadership of Observatory director Francisco da Costa Lobo, the device allowed scientists to record solar phenomena in specific wavelengths, enabling long-term studies of the Sun's influence on the Earth. Hosted within the Pavilhão do Espectroheliógrafo, the exhibition highlights the instrument's legacy as both a research tool and a symbol of scientific ambition. Beyond its technical significance, the display reflects on the telescope's resilience through decades of technological change and political history, showcasing how it transformed sunlight into enduring knowledge.
The exhibition is open to the public with free admission from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. Visiting hours are from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, with free access granted until August 31, 2026.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for The Coimbra Spectroheliograph: A Solar Telescope at Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra in Coimbra
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