Astronomer Vitalijs Kuzmovs to observe solar eclipse in Mallorca

University of Latvia astronomer Vitalijs Kuzmovs is set to travel to Mallorca this month to observe a total solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible in full from the island on August 12. The following day, Kuzmovs is scheduled to give a lecture at the Riga Botanical Garden as part of the Perseid night, where visitors can watch meteors falling toward Earth while listening to a concert by pianist Reinis Zariņš.

Kuzmovs is an astronomer at the University of Latvia and holds a degree in physics. He spent many years working as a teacher. He now manages the Astronomy Museum and the adjacent Astronomical Tower at the university's main building. Nearly three years ago he took over these duties from the renowned astronomer Ilgonis Vilks, becoming one of the leading popularizers of astronomy in Latvia.

The museum is located in the upper part of the university's main building, and its collection includes old telescopes, vintage clocks, and celestial globes. Kuzmovs speaks about each exhibit with great enthusiasm, which makes photo sessions with him last longer than expected.

During the dark part of the year, from October to March, visitors will be able to use a new telescope, opened last year, to observe celestial bodies.