Opening ceremony unites scientific and civic leaders

Sabadell officially opened the 27th National Astronomy Congress (CEA) on Friday 9 October 2026 at the auditorium of the Fundació 1859 Caixa Sabadell, marking the start of a four-day gathering of astronomers, researchers, and space enthusiasts. The event, running until 12 October, is hosted by the Agrupació Astronòmica de Sabadell (AAS) and organised under the umbrella of the Federación Astronómica Española. The inauguration was attended by Marta Farrés, mayor of Sabadell; Núria Montserrat, Minister for Research and Universities; Carles Schnabel, president of the AAS; Xavier Luri, director of the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC); and Aldo Serenelli, director of the Institut de Ciències de l’Espai (ICE-CSIC). Institutional representatives from across the scientific community also joined the ceremony.

“Sabadell is an open door to knowledge and the universe. I hope you enjoy this space to share, discover new things, and create new connections,”

Marta Farrés, mayor of Sabadell

“The need to ask questions is not exclusive to scientists, it is human. Science not only helps explain the world but also brings us together.”

Núria Montserrat, Minister for Research and Universities

“This congress is about sharing knowledge and advocating for astronomy together. It is the home of all astronomical associations in Spain. Sabadell is the capital of the universe.”

Carles Schnabel, president of the Agrupació Astronòmica de Sabadell

“The transformation in astronomy over the past 50 years has been extraordinary. We can now study the atmospheres of exoplanets and seriously consider whether life exists beyond Earth.”

Aldo Serenelli, director of the Institut de Ciències de l’Espai (ICE-CSIC)

“We share a passion for skywatching and the need to go outside and look up. Astronomy inspires vocations, and that is very important.”

Xavier Luri, director of the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC)

Four days of public engagement and scientific exchange

The congress programme includes public talks, workshops, and observation sessions aimed at promoting astronomy to local residents and visitors. Sabadell, with its long-standing tradition in astronomical outreach and home to the AAS since 1957, is serving as a central meeting point for Spain’s astronomical community. Activities are taking place at the Espai Cultura Fundació 1859 Caixa Sabadell, located at Carrer Prat de la Riba, s/n, within Parc Catalunya. The event is part of a broader effort to bring science closer to the public, highlighting the city’s ongoing commitment to scientific culture. More details about the full programme are available on the official congress website cea2026sabadell.org.

Reported by astrosabadell.org, astrocantabria.org, eb.sabadell.cat, federacionastronomica.es, cea2026sabadell.org, sabadell.cat, Ràdio Sabadell.