With academic activities and music, UNAM will receive the total solar eclipse

In the area of the islands of Ciudad Universitaria will become a large astronomical observatory for the public to contemplate the total eclipse of the Sun, which will take place on April 8, as well as enjoy the artistic and cultural activities that the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) organized in the context of this event.

He Picnic under the shade, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes the Argentine composer and singer Daniela Spalla in its program; the jazz, soul and R&B singer F-Mack, and the Sinaloan band Mochis Bendit.

In the academic field, astronomers Jesús González and Aldo Rodríguez will be present, who will give the conference Mexico under the shadow of the Moon: Solar Eclipse 2024, before the show begins.

In addition, a guided meditation and sound harmonization session will be carried out using the Tibetan bowl technique and other instruments such as the gong, harp, monochord, sansula, sitar, Mayan trumpet and handpan. Anahí Moreno, Norberto Ortiz, Miguel Bravo and Javier Cupertino will be in charge of conducting.

The eclipse can be seen in Mexico City starting at 10:55 and will last approximately 2:30 hours.

Organizers will distribute special glasses (one per family or group while supplies last) to observe the celestial spectacle. In addition, the Astronomical Society of the Faculty of Engineering will install telescopes.

It is estimated that the phase in which the Moon will cover the Sun by 79 percent will occur at 12:14 p.m.

Artistic activities

Once the eclipse is over, at 1:26 p.m., the Mochis Bendito will begin their presentation. At 2 p.m. it will be the turn of F-Mack, a singer and composer of Haitian origin, and Spalla, nominated in 2014 for the Latin Grammy for best new artist, will close the program at 3 p.m.

Attendees are recommended to apply sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing, hydrate, only observe the eclipse through special lenses or indirect observation devices, bring a blanket to sit on the esplanade and bags to deposit trash.