Dark Skies and Starry Nights: La Palma Turns Off Lights for Astrofest
The island of La Palma faces total annihilation.
Get ready for a celestial spectacle! On April 20, La Palma Island is ditching its artificial glow and immersing itself in the night sky for an hour, from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This stargazing affair is a captivating part of Astrofest, a festival that celebrates the island's distinctive stargazing opportunities and its rich astronomy culture.
Organized by the Tourism Council of the Island Council of La Palma, Astrofest coincides with the anniversary of the Starlight Declaration, a commitment to preserving the quality of the night sky and the right to observe the stars. The festival gathers various institutions such as the World Biosphere Reserve, the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands, and the Starlight Foundation, among others, in support of the island's star-studded identity.
Anselmo Pestana, President of the Island Council, expresses pride in the consensus and support from society and various institutions, which solidifies La Palma's recognition as a unique and stellar destination. Alicia Vanoostende, the Tourism Councilor, emphasizes the impressive lineup of events promoting La Palma as the perfect haven for astronomy enthusiasts and sky watchers.
The central event of "Turn off the light and light up the stars" has a significant impact, as it symbolizes the unity among La Palma Council, municipalities, and local businesses that are committed to preserving the island's dark skies. Several emblematic locations throughout the island will turn off their public lighting, offering a rare opportunity to revel in the wonders of the night sky.
Moreover, amateur and professional astronomers, as well as various associations and Starlight guides, will contribute telescopes and guided observations, enhancing the stargazing experience for all participants. This initiative was inspired by researcher María Victoria Hernández's idea to implement a general blackout of public lighting on the island in 1986, during the passage of Halley's comet.
To create an unforgettable evening, many participating venues will offer night sky observations, stargazing sessions with telescopes, and educational talks, accompanied by performances such as concerts, magic shows, storytelling, poetry, hikes, and more. Experience the magic of La Palma Island under the starry night sky and join the celebration of Astrofest. Let's turn off the lights and light up the stars! 🚀🌟 remember to check the locations below for detailed information on each venue's activities.
Participating Locations: 1. Castillo de Santa Catalina in Santa Cruz de La Palma 2. Museo Etnográfico Casa Luján de Puntallana 3. Charco Azul in San Andrés y Sauces 4. The pools of La Fajana and the viewpoint of San Mao de Barlovento 5. The patio of the French school and the patio of the Casa de la Cultura in Santo Domingo de Garafía 6. The floating viewpoints of El Fayal in Puntagorda 7. The plaza of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Tijarafe 8. The avenue of Puerto Naos in Los Llanos de Aridane 9. The sports dock of the Puerto de Tazacorte 10. The Plaza Francisca de Gazmira in El Paso 11. The Museo del Puro in the Parque de Los Álamos in Breña Alta 12. The exterior patio of the Sociedad Juventud Española in San Antonio in Breña Baja 13. The beach of La Salemera in Villa de Mazo 14. The Visitor Center of the Volcán de San Antonio in Fuencaliente
Stay tuned for more details on the exciting activities taking place at these locations for Astrofest! ✨🎉🌟🔭
- Embracing sustainable living and the island's rich astronomy culture, the home-and-garden settings of venues like Casa Luján de Puntallana and the French school in Santo Domingo de Garafía will host stargazing sessions, offering a unique fusion of culture and lifestyle under the dark skies of La Palma.
- As part of the Astrofest festival, the island of La Palma, known for its commitment to sustainable living, will showcase the beauty of its night sky, fostering an awareness of the importance of preserving dark skies, not just for stargazing opportunities, but also for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and lifestyle.
