I can’t think of anywhere in Las Palmas more Calvin-esque than the Elder Museum of Science and Technology. Where else can you geek out over Earth’s rotation in a blissfully climate-controlled environment? And if that’s not what brought you to the Canaries, just wait until you find yourself trudging across the sun-baked Santa Catalina esplanade at 3 pm in the middle of August—you’ll be begging for a scientific escape.

For the speed-runners out there, take note: Foucault’s pendulum—a slightly smaller version—now hangs on the first floor, conveniently right next to Calvin’s favorite chess problem. Remember the one from Chapter 7? Well, horror of horrors: it’s been vandalised since my last visit.

To prevent the Calvins in the audience from losing their tiny scientist minds, here’s the translated wording and the correct board’s position, preserved for posterity (and puzzlement).

THE PHOENIX KNIGHT (White to move and checkmate in 10)

Since the black king is stalemated, all moves are forced and the solution is straightforward (though not without surprises).

You can get the solution in this link

Enjoy!

P.S. The chess problem is dedicated to the renowned pianist and mathematician Carlos Núñez, a brilliant member of the legendary Argentine group Les Luthiers. A man who once set Thales’ theorem to music—need I say more?