Rafael Bachiller, astronomer: โThis is how I imagine extraterrestrials: as tiny microbesโ
21 April 2026 at 11:48
Rafael Bachiller seems far more interested in revealing all the treasures housed in the Royal Observatory of Madrid, which he directs, than in starting the interview. He enthusiastically shows off the replica of Herschelโs gigantic telescope destroyed by Napoleonโs troops, the library, and the precision clocks, acting as the best guide to this gem located in the Spanish capitalโs Retiro Park. An astronomer born in Madrid in 1957, and recently awarded the Spanish Geographical Society Prize, he also heads the Eclipse Commission, which will study the eclipse that will be visible in Spain on August 12.