On Friday, 25 September 2026, SPEARHEAD took part in Researchers’ Night 2026 at the National Observatory of Athens in Thiseio, welcoming a large and enthusiastic crowd to explore the world of heliophysics and space weather.
From early evening until well after dark, visitors of all ages gathered in the Observatory’s gardens to meet SPEARHEAD researchers and ask them about our dynamic Sun. What happens when the Sun erupts? How do energetic particles travel through space? And what does space radiation mean for satellites, astronauts and future missions to the Moon and Mars?
At the SPEARHEAD stand, children, students and families discovered how scientists study Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) and Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs). The highlight for many young visitors was putting on a virtual reality (VR) headset and watching a solar eruption unfold all around them in “Solar Storm VR” by SSVR Space Exploration VR. The stand stayed busy throughout the evening, with questions and conversations continuing long into the night.
With the illuminated Acropolis and a bright Moon as the backdrop, the evening was a reminder of why understanding the space environment matters, from protecting technology on Earth to keeping astronauts safe on their journeys beyond it.
Researchers’ Night is a unique opportunity to bring science closer to society, spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists. The SPEARHEAD team warmly thanks everyone who visited and brought so many great questions, and the National Observatory of Athens for hosting the event.
