The STCE does public outreach during the STCE Annual Meeting and the Open Doors of the Space Pole in Uccle.
One of the highlights of the Open Doors is always a visit to the Solar Dome. A small introductory presentation is first given in the corridor of the SIDC. Skilled observers and space weather forecasters explain in laymen terminology what sunspots are, how they are observed, why these observations are so important, and how solar eruptions affect us and our technology. Then, the small groups of 10-15 people are guided stairs towards the top of the solar dome. There, the various solar telescopes are shown and their specific applications are discussed. Weather permitting, the visitors can also make solar observations using a projected solar image from the white light solar telescope. During and after the visit, there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions to the guides.
