The place to stargaze in La Gomera…

Who amongst us hasn’t appeared as much as the skies on a transparent evening in marvel? Considering the universe whereas observing the heavens is just a pure response. However what if you happen to might see the celebrities shine brighter than you ever thought potential?

Within the Canary Islands, you’ll be able to benefit from the cleanest, clearest skies in Europe for stargazing. In actual fact, two of the widest vary observatories on the planet are positioned in Tenerife. Due to the area’s low degree of sunshine air pollution, this fascinating attribute extends to La Gomera, broadly considered essentially the most genuine and visible of the Canary Islands.

As quickly as you arrive, La Gomera welcomes you with the very best viewpoints round. Then, because the solar units over the horizon, the evening begins its hypnotising dance, dazzling onlookers with stellar shows. Planets, constellations, galaxies and taking pictures stars sparkle for any traveller who retains their eyes to the sky. With just a little consideration, you’ll be able to study to see them simply.

The place to begin?

To expertise this star-studded spectacle in all its glory, you need to begin by downloading digital observatory apps. In style choices embody Star Stroll 2, Sky Map or SkyView, all of which give detailed info by dealing with your smartphone at no matter you wish to study.

César Manrique Viewpoint

When you’ve downloaded your app, kick off your stargazing journey in La Gomera on the César Manrique viewpoint on the street to Valle Gran Rey.

This viewpoint is ideal for observing some of the recognisable teams of stars within the galaxy, the Orion constellation. In February and March, the mythological big beams throughout the winter sky. You possibly can even discover the distinction in colors on the edges of the celebrities: the reddish Betelgeuse within the shoulder of the large and the blue Rigel in his foot.

From right here, it’s straightforward to see Orion’s Belt, the long-lasting asterism fashioned by three huge stars. Hanging beneath Orion’s belt, three extra small stars kind a part of the Nice Orion Nebula, essentially the most sensible nebulae seen to the bare eye.

Mirador de Santo Viewpoint

Proceed your journey on the Mirador de Santo viewpoint within the hamlet of Arure. On moonless nights, the entire absence of sunshine transforms this viewpoint right into a entrance row seat to the Milky Method galaxy. If you happen to use a telescope or binoculars, you’ll be able to even discover concentrations of just lately fashioned stars tied collectively in house by gravity.

To the north, within the early evenings of February and March, you’ll discover Gemini, one of many 48 constellations of the zodiac.

Mirador de Alojera Viewpoint

The Mirador de Alojera viewpoint is the following cease in your stargazing journey in La Gomera. Accessed by a small grime monitor, this viewpoint reveals two legendary and simply recognisable constellations: Ursa Main and Ursa Minor, also called the Large Dipper and Little Dipper.

From the Large Dipper, you’ll be able to hint a direct line to Polaris, the North Star. The best option to get there’s through the use of the pointer stars within the bowl of the Large Dipper, Dubhe and Merak. Draw a line between these two stars and lengthen it out about 5 occasions to reach within the neighborhood of Polaris, which really marks the tip of the deal with of the Little Dipper.

Garajonay Summit

In your final cease, you’ll arrive within the coronary heart of the island on the Garajonay summit. Thrusting its peak 1,487 metres excessive, this pure platform is little question probably the greatest locations to catch panoramic views of house.

On August nights, if you happen to look in the direction of the south, you’ll be able to spot two constellations that float over the densest a part of the Milky Method, Sagittarius and Scorpius. Within the Scorpius constellation, the pink supergiant star Antares blazes with the dimensions and depth of 700 suns.

Near Antares, with the assistance of binoculars, you’ll be able to see a ball of stars resembling a wisp of smoke. That is Messier four, a big globular cluster of outdated stars positioned 7,200 gentle years away.

As you should have found by now, the pure treasures of La Gomera span far past the earth and sea. All you must do is lookup.