The State Astronomy Congresses (CEA) bring together amateur astronomers from all over Spain to share observation techniques, results, and experiences, fostering collaboration among associations and the public outreach of astronomy. Organized every two years, they have promoted the creation of new societies and, in 2014, inspired the founding of the Federation of Astronomical Associations of Spain, which brings together 78 associations and more than 8,000 enthusiasts.
The CEA congresses have gained prestige, attracting professional astronomers who collaborate in joint research (Pro-Am). Improvements in amateur techniques have increased their contribution to professional astrophysics projects and inspired scientific vocations among young people.
Another key objective is astronomical outreach: these congresses serve as a forum to share dissemination methods and increase the presence of astronomy in society. Between 2026 and 2028, Spain will also experience three consecutive solar eclipses (two total and one annular), providing an extraordinary context for public outreach.
To help you plan your visit, we have launched the “Venue and Services” section. There, you will find detailed information about the congress location, accommodation options with special rates for participants, travel recommendations, and other useful services for your stay in Sabadell.
- To foster cooperation between amateur and professional astronomers (Pro–Am) and in research projects.
- To enhance female participation in amateur astronomy (currently around 20%).
- To disseminate astronomical advances and techniques through presentations, workshops, and exhibitions.
- To strengthen relationships among participants to discuss their results and the experiences of individual Astronomical Associations.
- Inaugural conference open to the public.
- Scientific sessions on astrophysics, heliophysics, exoplanets, observation, astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy, and others currently in preparation.
- National astrophotography and astronomical drawing competition.
- Exhibition of observation instrumentation and outreach materials.
- Official Congress Dinner.
- Guided tour of the Sabadell Observatory.
- Guided tours of the city of Sabadell.
Ignasi Ribas
PhD in Physics from the University of Barcelona and currently a research professor at the Institute of Space Sciences (CSIC). His research activity focuses on the discovery and characterization of exoplanets, particularly those similar to Earth, to search for life in the future. He holds high-level responsibilities in astronomical instruments, as well as in various space missions, including CHEOPS, PLATO, and Ariel. He also coordinates the development of nanosatellite projects.
Alicia Sintes
Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of the Balearic Islands and an international leader in gravitational-wave astronomy. She is the principal investigator of the GRAVITY research group and director of the Institute for Community Code Applications. With a Ph.D. from the UIB, she spent part of her career at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics and has been involved in the LIGO collaboration since its early days. Currently, she is a member of the LISA Consortium and the Einstein Telescope.
NADIA BLAGORODNOVA
Professor at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Barcelona. Her research focuses on time-domain observational astronomy, studying transient astrophysical phenomena such as supernovae, stellar mergers, and stars torn apart by supermassive black holes. With the research group Common Envelope Transients - Progenitors, Precursors, and Properties of their Outbursts (CET-3PO), funded by a European Research Council (ERC) grant, she investigates the interaction and merger of close binary stars. She has been jointly recognized with the National Research Award for Young Talent 2025.
Enric Pallé
PhD in Astrophysics from Armagh Observatory/Queen’s University Belfast. He completed the first cycle of his Physics degree at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of La Laguna in the Canary Islands. He completed the first cycle of his Physics degree at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of La Laguna in the Canary Islands. He has extensive professional experience, beginning as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the New Jersey Institute of Technology & California Institute of Technology in the United States. He has been a Ramón y Cajal Fellow at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, Head of the Research Department, and currently holds the highest-level position as a Research Professor at the same institute. His research focuses on three main areas: studying Earth as a planet from space to identify biosignatures in its global light; analyzing exoplanet atmospheres through transmission spectroscopy (particularly using the 10-meter GTC telescope); and detecting and confirming exoplanets using telescopes such as Kepler (K2) and SuperWASP.
You can become a Congress sponsor and help us make this a truly memorable edition. We have established three different participation tiers for companies and organizations, each with the flexibility to be tailored to your specific needs:
- Corporate Sponsor
- CEA Partner
- Commercial Collaborator
The Sabadell Astronomical Society is a leading astronomical society in Catalonia and Spain. Founded in 1960, it has grown steadily ever since. In 1993, its headquarters were inaugurated—an astronomical observatory located in the city’s Parc Catalunya.
It brings together enthusiasts and anyone interested in space sciences, promoting astronomical observation, training, and amateur research. It also carries out significant outreach work through conferences, courses, publications, educational activities, workshops, observatory visits, and many other initiatives.
In 1977, the Sabadell Astronomical Society organized the II Jornadas Astronómicas, considered the precursors to today’s CEAs. Forty-nine years later, we return to that experience with renewed enthusiasm and commitment, once again taking on the organization of the 27th Spanish Astronomy Congress (CEA)—an event that reflects the continuity, maturity, and vitality of the amateur astronomy movement in our country.