The Magic of Meteors: Shooting Stars, Fireballs, and Cosmic Debris

Have you ever gazed at the inky expanse of a clear night sky and witnessed a fleeting streak of light, a "shooting star" gracefully slicing through the darkness? It's a magical moment, a reminder of the vast universe surrounding us. But what exactly are these celestial sparklers, and when's the best time to catch them? Meteors—those breathtaking "shooting stars"—are among the most accessible and awe-inspiring astronomical phenomena. Let's explore what they are, their origins, and why they illuminate the night.

Why Do Some Meteors Glow Different Colors?

As a meteoroid plunges into Earth's atmosphere at incredible speeds, friction with the air molecules generates intense heat. This heat causes the meteoroid to vaporize, and the atoms within it become excited. When these excited atoms return to their normal energy state, they emit light at specific wavelengths, which we perceive as different colors. Think of it like a cosmic fireworks display! The colour depends on two things:

1. Chemical Composition

When a meteoroid burns up, its minerals ionize the air, creating different hues:

Yellow/Orange - Sodium

Yellow: Can also be sodium, but sometimes iron.

Green - Magnesium, Nickel

Blue - Ionized Calcium

Red - Atmospheric Nitrogen & Oxygen

2. Speed & Temperature

• Faster meteors (like those from the Perseid shower) burn hotter and often appear white or blue.

• Slower meteors (like the Leonids) may glow red or orange.

What Is a Meteor?

A meteor, often called a shooting star or falling star, is the flash of light we see when a small piece of space debris (a meteoroid) burns up as it enters Earth's atmosphere due to friction.

• Meteoroid: A tiny rock or dust particle floating in space (usually from comets or asteroids).

• Meteor: The bright streak of light produced as the meteoroid vaporizes.

• Meteorite: If a meteoroid survives its fiery descent and hits the ground, it earns this name.

Most meteors are caused by particles no larger than a grain of sand, yet they create dazzling displays as they disintegrate at speeds of 30,000 to 160,000 mph!

Earth’s Rotation & Orbit: Imagine Earth as a car driving through rain—the windshield (the side facing forward) catches more raindrops than the rear window.

• Before Midnight: You’re on Earth’s "trailing" side, so only fast-moving meteors can catch up.

• After Midnight: You’re on the "leading" side, plowing directly into space debris, resulting in more frequent and brighter meteors.

Fireballs & Bolides: When Meteors Put on a Show

While most shooting stars are caused by tiny dust grains, a more spectacular event occurs when a larger meteoroid, typically pebble-sized or bigger, slams into our atmosphere. The increased mass and speed generate significantly more energy, resulting in an ultra-bright fireball.Occasionally, a larger meteoroid (pebble-sized or bigger) enters the atmosphere, creating an ultra-bright fireball.

• Fireball: A meteor brighter than Venus (can even cast shadows!).

• Bolide: A fireball that explodes (sometimes with a sonic boom).

Busting the Myth: Shooting Stars Aren't Dying Stars

Shooting stars have nothing to do with actual stars. Stars are enormous, light-years away. What we see is a tiny particle, often no bigger than a grain of dust (called a meteoroid), burning up in our atmosphere due to friction.

• Stars (like our Sun) are massive, distant balls of plasma.

• Meteors are tiny space rocks burning up in our atmosphere—some as small as a grain of dust!

So, the next time you make a wish upon a shooting star, remember that you're wishing on a tiny speck of cosmic dust making its dramatic, albeit brief, entrance into our world.

PHOTO: Simon Waldram @fuerteshoot

Meteorites: When Space Rocks Reach Earth

Few meteoroids survive their plunge to Earth, but those that do become meteorites. There are three main types:

1. Stony (Chondrites) – Most common, made of silicate minerals.

2. Iron – Dense, metallic, often from asteroid cores.

3. Stony-Iron – A rare mix of both.

10 of the most famous meteorites in history, known for scientific importance, size, or dramatic falls:

Murchison Meteorite (Life’s Building Blocks)

Location: Victoria, Australia
Weight: ~100 kg
Fall: 1969
Type: CM2 Carbonaceous Chondrite
Key Discovery: Contains 70+ amino acids (some not found on Earth).

Sikhote-Alin Meteorite (Largest Iron Meteor Shower)

Location: Siberia, Russia
Weight: ~23 tons (scattered fragments)
Fall: Feb 12, 1947
Type: Iron (IIAB)
Impact: Created 122 craters (largest is 26m wide).

Canyon Diablo (Meteor Crater’s Origin)

Location: Arizona, USA
Weight: ~30 tons (fragments)
Impact: ~50,000 years ago
Type: Iron (IAB)
Legacy: Formed Barringer Crater (1.2 km wide).

Fukang Meteorite (Most Beautiful Pallasite)

Location: Xinjiang, China
Weight: ~1,003 kg
Found: 2000
Type: Pallasite (olivine crystals in iron-nickel)
Appearance: Looks like stained glass when sliced.

Nakhla Meteorite (The "Mars Meteorite")

Location: Egypt
Weight: ~10 kg
Fall: 1911 (hit a dog—allegedly!)
Type: Martian (Shergottite)
Importance: Proved Mars has water (contains hydrated minerals).

Hoba Meteorite (Largest Intact Meteorite)

Location: Namibia, Africa
Weight: ~60 tons (largest single meteorite on Earth)
Discovered: 1920
Type: Iron (84% Fe, 16% Ni)
Impact: Never moved—still in its original impact site!

Allende Meteorite (Most Studied Carbonaceous Chondrite)

Location: Chihuahua, Mexico
Weight: ~2 tons (fell as thousands of fragments)
Fall: 1969 (just before Apollo moon missions)
Type: CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite
Importance: Contains pre-solar grains (older than the Sun!)

Chelyabinsk Meteorite (Most Dramatic Modern Impact)

Location: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Weight: ~1,400 kg (main fragment)
Fall: Feb 15, 2013 (exploded mid-air, injuring 1,500+)
Blast Force: ~30x Hiroshima nuke (non-nuclear)
Type: Ordinary Chondrite (LL5)
Famous For: Viral dashcam videos of the explosion.

Tunguska Event (Largest Meteor Airburst in History)

Location: Siberia, Russia
Estimated Size: ~50–100m wide (never found)
Event: June 30, 1908 (flattened 2,000 km² of forest)
Energy: ~10–15 megatons of TNT
Effect: Knocked people off feet 60 km away

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Meteor Showers: Nature’s Fireworks Visible from Fuerteventura

1. Quadrantids

When: Late December – Early January (Peak: Jan 3–4)
Best Time: Pre-dawn hours
Rate: 60–120 meteors/hour (but brief peak)
Parent Body: Asteroid 2003 EH1
Notes: Fast, bright meteors; often has fireballs.

2. Lyrids

When: Mid-April (Peak: Apr 21–22)
Best Time: After midnight
Rate: 10–20 meteors/hour (sometimes outbursts)
Parent Body: Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1)
Notes: Known for occasional bright fireballs.

3. Perseids (Best for Summer Viewing!)

When: Mid-July – Late August (Peak: Aug 12–13)
Best Time: Late night to dawn
Rate: 50–100 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Comet Swift-Tuttle
Notes: Bright, fast meteors; great for warm summer nights.

4. Orionids

When: October (Peak: Oct 20–21)
Best Time: After midnight
Rate: 10–20 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Halley’s Comet
Notes: Fast meteors, often leaves persistent trains.

5. Leonids

When: Mid-November (Peak: Nov 17–18)
Best Time: Late night to dawn
Rate: 10–15 meteors/hour (but can have storms every ~33 years)
Parent Body: Comet Tempel-Tuttle
Notes: Famous for historic meteor storms (next big one ~2033).

6. Geminids (Best of the Year!)

When: Early–Mid December (Peak: Dec 13–14)
Best Time: After 10 PM
Rate: 100–150 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Asteroid 3200 Phaethon
Notes: Bright, slow meteors; one of the most reliable showers.

Meteor showers are one of nature’s most magical displays—reminding us that the universe is alive with wonder, even in our own cosmic backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a first-time observer, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a shooting star streak across the night sky.

Exploring the Night Sky: A Guide to Stargazing Apps and Apple Watch integration.

As someone who loves exploring the wonders of the night sky, I’ll admit—it can feel overwhelming at times. There’s so much to see, so much to learn, and honestly, I often forget what’s even up there. That’s why I rely on stargazing apps to guide me. Unlike our seasoned lead Star Guide, who can glance up and effortlessly tell you the story behind a constellation or name every star in sight, I’m more of a novice. But that’s where these apps shine. There’s something truly magical about pointing my phone at the sky and instantly seeing the names of stars, planets, and constellations light up on my screen. It’s like having a personal tour guide to the cosmos, right in my pocket.

That said, these apps are a helpful tool—not a replacement for the experience of an actual stargazing tour. On our tours, we encourage you to switch off your devices, immerse yourself in nature, and simply gaze at the wonder of the night sky. It’s a chance to explore the breathtaking locations of Fuerteventura, disconnect from the digital world, and reconnect with the universe in its purest form. But when you’re not on a tour, these apps can be a fantastic way to continue your journey of discovery.

Let me be clear—I’m no expert, and I’m not here to declare these as the absolute best apps available. But they are the ones I’ve personally tried, enjoyed, and found accessible without being pushed into a subscription right off the bat. 

A quick note: I tested all of these apps on my iPhone 15 Plus and Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), so my experience is based entirely on the iOS ecosystem. I haven’t tried them on Android, but I imagine the experience would be similar, as most of these apps are available on both platforms.

Below, I’ll walk you through the ones I’ve tested (not in order of preference)—Sky Tonight, Star Walk 2, Sky Guide, Night Sky, Stellarium, SkySafari, and SkyView Lite/SkyView.

Star Walk 2: My Most-Used App for Stellar Information

While Star Walk 2 isn’t necessarily my favourite app, it’s the one I’ve used the most because of its ease of understanding and ability to provide a general overview of the night sky. The interface is sleek, intuitive, and packed with detailed information about stars, planets, constellations, and deep-sky objects. Simply point your iPhone at the sky, and Star Walk 2 will identify what you’re looking at in real time. I love how it provides in-depth descriptions and historical context, making it feel like I’m carrying a portable planetarium in my pocket. The augmented reality (AR) feature is a standout, blending the night sky with your surroundings for an immersive experience.

Beyond its real-time sky mapping, Star Walk 2 offers handy features like Stargazing News, an Astronomy Calendar, and a section that highlights what’s visible tonight. There’s also a dedicated planet section for those who want to dive deeper into our solar system. While the app is free to use, there’s an optional lifetime subscription (currently €9.99 at the time of writing) that unlocks additional features—a small price to pay for such a powerful tool.

Night Sky: A Stellar Choice for AR and Apple Watch Integration

Night Sky is one of my favourite apps, especially for its stunning augmented reality (AR) features and seamless Apple Watch integration. The app overlays constellations, planets, and satellites onto your camera view, creating a magical experience that feels like stepping into a planetarium. What sets it apart is its customisation options—you can track specific objects, set reminders for celestial events, and even share your sky view with friends. It’s perfect for both casual stargazers and those who want a more personalized experience.

Apple Watch Integration

The Apple Watch app is where Night Sky truly shines. When you hold your watch level, it acts as a compass, guiding you to point at the sky. As you move your wrist, you can see the constellations above you. Tap on one, and it tells you what it is; tap again, and you get detailed information. I have added  a short video on the side to give you a visual guide. It’s incredibly intuitive and makes stargazing feel like a hands-free experience. I also love the gentle notifications on my wrist, alerting me when something interesting—like the International Space Station or a bright planet—is passing overhead.

Free Version Features

Night Sky offers a free version with a surprising number of features. You can track satellites (including Starlink), view constellation lines, explore mythology, add sky tags, check meteor shower forecasts, and even observe some deep-space objects. The app also lets you visualise the sky in different wavelengths, such as infrared, microwaves, radio, X-rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet, and more. If you grant camera access, you can view the sky in real time, blending the AR experience with your surroundings.

Astrophotography Section

One of the coolest features is the astrophotography section. If you give the app access to your camera settings on your phone, it helps you take stunning night photos by optimizing exposure, focus, and other settings for capturing the night sky. Whether you’re photographing the Milky Way or a meteor shower, this feature is a game-changer for anyone interested in night photography.

Subscription Options

For those who want to dive deeper, Night Sky offers a PLUS subscription. This unlocks advanced features like 1.7 billion stars with 10x zoom, aurora forecasts, AR planetary portals, and deeper customisation options. While the free version is fantastic for casual stargazers, the subscription is worth considering if you want to take your experience to the next level.

Sky Guide: Elegant Design and Insightful Features

While Sky Guide isn’t my favourite for Apple Watch integration, it’s still a beautifully designed app with some standout features, especially on the iPhone. Its clean interface and thoughtful details make it a joy to use, even if the Apple Watch experience is more basic.

Apple Watch Experience

On the Apple Watch, Sky Guide is fairly simple. When you first activate it, you’ll see the sun’s activity. Swipe from right to left, and you’ll get information about the moon and the International Space Station (ISS). While it’s handy for quick glances, it doesn’t offer much depth or interactivity compared to other apps. For me, Night Sky shines brighter on the Apple Watch. 

iPhone Experience

The iPhone app is where Sky Guide truly excels. It features a beautifully presented calendar of celestial events and curated posts that highlight interesting phenomena in the night sky. The app also includes rich mythology stories and constellation lines, adding a layer of storytelling to your stargazing. One of my favorite features is the ability to visualize satellites in different modes, including night vision, which makes tracking them easier and more immersive.

Subscription Options

Sky Guide offers a free version with basic features, but if you want to unlock its full potential, there are two subscription tiers:

• PLUS: This tier gives you 100x more stars, meteor shower forecasts, access to 10,000+ satellites, and stargazing forecasts.

• PRO: For serious astronomy enthusiasts, the PRO tier includes 1.7 billion stars, double and variable stars, exoplanets, and advanced UI options for a more tailored experience.

While the free version is great for casual users, the upgrades are worth considering if you want to dive deeper into the cosmos.

Sky Tonight: Perfect for Event Tracking

Sky Tonight is a newer addition to my stargazing toolkit, but it’s quickly become helpful for tracking upcoming celestial events. The app provides a detailed calendar of meteor showers, eclipses, and planetary alignments, ensuring you never miss a cosmic spectacle. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, and the AR feature is a nice touch for identifying objects in real time. As the name suggests, it’s packed with concise, practical information that’s perfect for both casual stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts.

Free Version Features

The free version of Sky Tonight offers a solid starting point. You can track three planets, one satellite, and stars, which is great for basic stargazing. The calendar view is particularly helpful, allowing you to see all upcoming events at a glance. It’s a fantastic tool for planning your nights under the stars.

Subscription Options

While the free version is useful, it does have some limitations. For full access to all features, including additional planets, satellites, and advanced event tracking, you can unlock everything with a lifetime purchase. At the time of writing, this one-time payment is €14.99, which is quite affordable compared to subscription-based models. This upgrade unlocks the app’s full potential, making it a worthwhile investment for serious stargazers

Stellarium: For the Purists

If you’re looking for a more traditional stargazing experience, Stellarium is the way to go. Known for its accuracy and realistic sky rendering, this app is a favourite among amateur astronomers and purists who value precision over flashy features. While it doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some of the others, its simplicity and depth make it a reliable tool for serious stargazers.

Key Features

Stellarium offers an impressive array of features for a one-time purchase of €19.99 (at the time of writing). This includes:

• 1.6 billion stars: A vast catalog for exploring the night sky in incredible detail.

• Planets and moons: High-resolution images and detailed information about planets and their moons.

• Deep-sky objects: Access to over 2 million deep-sky objects, including galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

• Asteroids and comets: Track thousands of asteroids and comets with up-to-date data.

• Rise and set times: Easily check when celestial objects will be visible.

• Telescope and camera support: Perfect for astrophotographers and those using telescopes.

• Calendar and observing tools: Plan your stargazing sessions with precision using the built-in calendar and visibility tools.

User Experience

One of the standout aspects of Stellarium is its clean, no-frills interface. It’s designed to mimic the view of the night sky as accurately as possible, making it feel like you’re looking through a high-quality telescope. The app also allows you to adjust settings like light pollution levels, field of view, and time flow, giving you complete control over your stargazing experience. While it may not have the augmented reality (AR) features of some other apps, its focus on realism and detail is perfect for those who want to learn and explore without distractions.

How It Compares - Compared to apps like Star Walk 2 or Sky Guide, Stellarium is less about convenience and more about depth. It’s not as intuitive for beginners, but for those willing to invest a little time, it offers unparalleled detail and accuracy. If you’re someone who loves diving into the science of astronomy or planning detailed observing sessions, Stellarium is a must-have.

Why Choose Stellarium? Stellarium is ideal for those who value accuracy and depth over flashy features. Its no-nonsense approach and comprehensive database make it a go-to app for anyone serious about astronomy. While the one-time purchase might feel steep compared to free apps, the wealth of features and lack of ongoing subscription fees make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the ability to integrate with telescopes and cameras adds a layer of functionality that’s hard to beat.

SkySafari: A Powerhouse for Astronomy Enthusiasts

SkySafari is another app that caters to the more serious crowd, offering an extensive database of celestial objects and advanced features that make it a favourite among astronomy enthusiasts. While it might feel a bit overwhelming for beginners, it’s an invaluable resource for those who want to dive deep into the cosmos. Whether you’re planning an observing session, controlling a telescope, or just exploring the night sky, SkySafari has you covered.

Key Features

SkySafari’s free version is already packed with useful tools, but the Premium tier takes it to the next level. Here’s what you can expect:

• Massive Deep-Sky Database: Access over 13,000 galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, making it one of the most comprehensive stargazing apps available.

• Celestial Events: Stay updated on moon phases, meteor showers, eclipses, and other astronomical events with detailed descriptions and reminders.

• SkyCast: Get personalized forecasts for optimal stargazing conditions based on your location.

• Community Features: Share your observations, join a community of like-minded stargazers, and even sync your data across devices.

• Light Pollution Map: Plan your stargazing trips by checking light pollution levels in your area or elsewhere.

Telescope and Observation Tools

One of SkySafari’s standout features is its ability to control compatible telescopes directly from your iPhone. This makes it an excellent tool for amateur astronomers who want to take their observing sessions to the next level. The app also includes detailed information blurbs for celestial objects, helping you learn more about what you’re viewing.

Why Choose SkySafari?

SkySafari is perfect for those who want a more technical and detailed stargazing experience. Its advanced features, telescope integration, and massive database make it a powerhouse for astronomy enthusiasts. While the Premium, Plus, and Pro subscriptions are required to unlock its full potential, the free version still offers plenty of tools for casual stargazers. If you’re serious about astronomy or love exploring the night sky in depth, SkySafari is well worth the investment.

Premium Experience

While the free version is impressive, SkySafari offers additional tiers:

SkySafari 7 Plus: This tier includes an expanded database, enhanced telescope control, and more advanced observation tools. It’s ideal for intermediate users who want a deeper experience.

SkySafari 7 Pro: Designed for serious astronomers, this tier offers the most comprehensive features, including a massive catalog of stars, planets, and deep-sky objects, as well as advanced tools for planning and recording observations. It’s perfect for professionals or dedicated hobbyists.

While I’ve only tried the free version, the Plus and Pro options seem like they’d be worth exploring if you’re looking for even more depth and functionality.

SkyView Lite: Simple and Accessible

For a no-frills stargazing experience, SkyView Lite is a great option. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for casual observers. Just point your phone at the sky, and it’ll identify stars, constellations, and planets. The Lite version is free, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to dip their toes into stargazing without committing to a paid app.

Free Version Experience

I tried the Lite version first, and it’s fantastic for simplicity. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it ideal for beginners or anyone who just wants a quick way to identify what’s in the sky. It’s not as feature-rich as some of the other apps, but it gets the job done without overwhelming you with information.

Premium Version

For just €2.99 (at the time of writing), you can upgrade to the Premium version, which unlocks a host of additional features:

• Stargazing Events: Get notifications for celestial events like meteor showers and planetary alignments.

• Satellite Sightings: Track satellites, including the International Space Station (ISS).

• Today Widget: Quickly check what’s in the sky from your iPhone’s Today View.

• Night Mode: Protects your night vision with a red-tinted screen.

• Augmented Reality Sky Paths: Visualize the paths of stars, planets, and satellites in real time.

• Comprehensive Planets and Satellites: Access detailed information about planets, moons, and satellites.

• Constellations: Explore constellations with detailed overlays and descriptions.

Why Choose SkyView ?

SkyView Lite is perfect for casual stargazers who want a straightforward, no-fuss app. The free version is great for quick sky identification, while the Premium version offers enough extra features to make it worth the small investment. While the Apple Watch integration didn’t work for me (While the app claims to support Apple Watch, I couldn’t get it to sync or appear in the apps available on my watch), the app’s simplicity and accessibility make it a solid choice for beginners and casual users alike.

Why I Love Combining These Apps

Each of these apps brings something unique to the table, and I find myself switching between them depending on my mood and needs. I mainly use Night Sky for its Apple Watch prompts and AR features and help with taking photos at night. Star Walk 2 for its articles and upcoming event information, Stellarium for its detailed star map, and SkyView for its simplicity. I also enjoy the overall calendar and event tracking in Sky Tonight. Most of the time, I stick to the free versions, which are more than enough for casual stargazing. Together, these apps have turned my iPhone and Apple Watch into the ultimate stargazing companions.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Apps

• Use AR mode: It’s a game-changer for identifying objects and understanding their positions in the sky.

• Enable Apple Watch notifications: Apps like Sky Guide make it easy to stay updated without constantly checking your phone.

• Check for updates: Many of these apps add new features and events regularly, so keep them updated for the best experience.

• Combine apps: Don’t be afraid to use multiple apps to get the most comprehensive view of the night sky.

Whether you’re planning a night under the stars or just curious about what’s above you, these apps can turn your iPhone and Apple Watch into powerful tools for exploring the cosmos. Happy stargazing!

Marisa

A Brighter Christmas, A Darker Future?

Even though Christmas has passed, the festive spirit lingers here in Fuerteventura! Our Christmas tree remains proudly displayed, twinkling with lights. And the celebrations continue, as we eagerly await the arrival of the Three Kings on Dia de Reyes.

Christmas lights! They transform our neighborhoods into twinkling wonderlands, casting a festive glow on the season. But as we string up those dazzling displays, it's worth considering the potential impact of our holiday cheer.

The dazzling spectacle of Christmas lights comes at a cost, not just to our wallets (though those energy bills can certainly add up!), but to the environment and even our own health.

The sheer volume of holiday lights creates a blanket of artificial light, washing out the stars and disrupting the natural night sky. This "light pollution" isn't just a nuisance for astronomers and stargazers. It confuses wildlife, disrupts their natural rhythms, and can even harm their delicate ecosystems. Imagine a tiny insect drawn to a brilliant streetlight, circling and circling until it's exhausted and disoriented. Or picture a migrating bird, its natural navigation severely impacted by the city's glow, losing its way and struggling to find its destination.

Furthermore, all that artificial light at night can wreak havoc on our sleep cycles. It becomes harder to fall asleep, sleep quality suffers, and individuals often wake up feeling groggy and unrefreshed. This can lead to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and even serious health problems down the line.

So, what can we do? Can we still enjoy the magic of the season without sacrificing our environment and our well-being? Absolutely! Here are a few simple steps individuals can take:

• Embrace energy-efficient LEDs: They use less energy and produce less heat, making them a much greener choice.

• Embrace timers: Set timers to automatically turn off lights when individuals are asleep or away from home.

• Shield your lights: Direct the light downwards to minimize light pollution and reduce glare.

• Choose warm-colored lights: They're less disruptive to wildlife and create a more cozy, festive atmosphere.

• Support your local "Dark Sky" initiatives: Join a local organization or participate in community events that raise awareness about the importance of preserving the night sky.

This holiday season, let's make a conscious effort to be more mindful of our lighting choices. By making small adjustments, we can create a brighter Christmas for everyone while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Christmas. What are its origins? And what is the connection to the Winter Solstice?

The Origins of Christmas stem as far back as Pagan Roman times. The festival was called Saturnalia, an ancient Roman celebration of the God Saturn, which lasted from Dec 17th-23rd. The God Saturn, is usually connected with the Greek Cronos, but it was the Romans who actively worshipped the God, associating him with agriculture and abundance. Saturnalia was a raucous affair! A time where anything goes and the boundaries between Master and Slave no longer exist, implying freedom and the equal standing of all people. Gifts were also exchanged and gambling, drinking and playing games was seen as the norm. Nobody was to work during this time. The Romans saw it as returning to the Golden Age, when the God Saturn ruled over Earth. It was a time of Universal harmony and Saturnalia was a way of spreading that love. Other accounts are that it was more an excuse for illicit activity and that it was only the children of the Masters who served the Slaves. We will never know, but the similarities between Saturnalia and Christmas are undeniable with drinking, feasting, sharing gifts and not working as the main component

The Winter Solstice has been celebrated on the 21st or 22nd of December since ancient times. In the Norse tradition, the Winter Solstice celebrated the rebirth of Sol with offerings to Freyr. In ancient Persia and Iran, honoring Mithra is called Yalda. In the Ancient Roman pantheon, the feast of Saturnalia honored the Gods of Harvest and Plenty, Saturn and Ops. To them, the sun decreasing in visibility as the days of the year moved forward spoke of the dying of the sun. They believed that at the time of the winter solstice the sun actually needed to be reborn so that it could live another year. That’s why, in their religious superstition, they organized annual festivals that were held during the days just before and after the day of the winter solstice. These festivals were celebrations dedicated to the sun god, whatever name that god went by. December 25th, then, was celebrated with a feast to commemorate the birth (rebirth) of the sun.

In English, the world solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning "sun standing still". It seems to suggest a brief pause as the sun reaches its most extreme Southerly point (as experienced on Earth) before the direction of travel is reversed, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the Year. On a spiritual level, it teaches us about resilience and hope in the face of darkness. The Sun will rise again, even after the longest night of the Year, bringing new beginnings and brighter days. It's a time to reflect on your inner light and the continuous cycle of growth and renewal.

So the origins of Christmas are based on pagan celebrations, that were slowly transitioned into more christian ideologies and later emerged into the modern Christmas that we celebrate around the globe today.

Capture the Magic: Night Photography in Fuerteventura

photo courtesy of Simon Waldram Photography

Photography can be about capturing the essence of a moment, weaving a narrative, and connecting with the viewer on an emotional level. As the saying goes, 'Without the darkness we can not see the light,' just because we can´t see it, does not mean it´s not there. Night photography shows us what our eyes can´t see. By embracing the darkness, we unlock a world of hidden beauty, where the stars shine brightly and the cosmos unfolds its wonders.

One technique that constantly captivates is long exposure, with its ability to transform ordinary scenes into something ethereal and dramatic. And what better subject for this transformative technique than the night sky? A realm of endless wonder and a canvas of twinkling stars, the night sky has captivated stargazers and photographers for generations. Combining these passions allows us to not only observe the cosmos but also capture its ethereal beauty, creating a truly enriching experience. Fuerteventura can offer  a stargazer's paradise—the perfect location to merge astronomy with the magic of night photography. Here's your guide to capturing the magic of Fuerteventura's night sky.

Why Fuerteventura is Ideal for Stargazing and Night Photography (and what to consider):

Dark Skies, a Valuable Asset: Fuerteventura's commitment to minimizing light pollution as a Starlight Reserve creates the potential for outstanding stargazing and night photography.

Weather and Atmospheric Conditions: While the Canary Islands generally have favorable weather, cloud cover and calima are factors to consider. Successful stargazing and photography require careful planning, including checking weather forecasts and being flexible with your schedule to take advantage of clear nights.

Diverse Landscapes: From volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches, Fuerteventura offers diverse foregrounds to complement your night sky images.

Planning Your Stargazing and Photography Trip:

Check the Moon Phase: A new moon (when the moon is not visible) provides the darkest skies for stargazing and capturing faint celestial objects.

Weather Forecast: Look for clear skies and calm conditions. Websites like Meteoblue or AEMET (Spanish Meteorological Agency), Windy can provide detailed forecasts. Always look up and constantly check, what was true in the morning may change by the evening. 

Location Scouting: Explore potential locations during the day to identify interesting foreground elements and ensure safe access at night. Inland areas away from towns: Provide the darkest skies.

Timing: The best time for stargazing is typically a few hours after sunset, once the sky is fully dark.

Here are some tips for capturing stunning images in low-light conditions:

Fast Lens: A lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is crucial for gathering as much light as possible.

Sturdy Tripod: Essential for long exposures, ensuring sharp images.

Remote Shutter Release: Minimizes camera shake for crisp shots.

Extra Batteries: Cold temperatures drain batteries faster, so bring spares.

Red Light Flashlight or Headlamp: Red light preserves your night vision.

Manual Mode: Provides full control over settings.

Aperture: Use the widest aperture your lens allows for maximum light.

Shutter Speed: Start with a longer shutter speed (e.g., 10 seconds) and adjust as needed.

ISO: Keep it as low as possible to minimize noise, but increase if the image is too dark.

White Balance: Adjust according to the light source (e.g., Tungsten for city lights). 

Focus: Use manual focus and zoom in to ensure sharpness.

Night photography can be a rewarding experience for photographers of all levels. ..

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Ready to take your photography to the next level and unlock the secrets of capturing the night sky?

Join us for our Night Photography Workshop in Fuerteventura this June, from June 22 to June 28 2025!

This workshop will provide a comprehensive learning experience, covering everything from the fundamentals of night photography to advanced techniques for capturing specific celestial phenomena. We'll delve into camera settings, composition strategies, light painting, and post-processing workflows.

Visit www.starsbynight.es/photographyworkshop to learn more and register.

photo courtesy of Simon Waldram Photography

....SEPTEMBER NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO DE SEPTIEMBRE 2023....

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The month of September usually sees the strong summer winds calming, bringing with it a cleaner sky to observe the celestial objects by night. The Milky Way is still dazzling us when the Moon is not present, passing through the south west sky. The gas giants Jupiter and Saturn are finally both present in our observations, by mid Sept. And our closest neighbour, the Andromeda Galaxy is getting higher in the Northern sky. We can not forget our Sun and the incredible sunrises and sunsets that we can usually enjoy in this month. We celebrate the September Equinox on the 23rd day. The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of autumn, Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. A day celebrated by all ancient cultures including the ancient settlers here on Fuerteventura!

We start the month with the Moon still bright and rising early in the night sky, the Full Moon, SuperMoon being on the last day of August. Our Moon is locked in a gravitational pull, rotating around the Earth and each night we can observe Her rising at different times with varying parts of Her surface illuminated. We return to dark skies from the 4th onwards with the Moon beginning to rise after midnight up until the New Moon on the 15th. The Milky Way and the fainter stars can become the protagonists of the night sky once more. But it won’t last long, as the brilliant Jupiter, the King of the Gods is rising earlier and earlier. By mid September He will be in a perfect position to start observing during our observations. We do have the infamous Planet Saturn in the night sky all month, but being considerably smaller than Jupiter and double the distance from Earth you might not notice the Planet, as you will Jupiter! Both are spectacular to observe with the telescope with the largest Moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn visible. The Planet Mercury is not an easy one to spot but you might be in luck around the 22nd, look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

The last of this years SuperMoons falls on the 29th, also know as the Corn Moon or Harvest Moon.

Clean skies to everyone and Keep Looking Up.

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Normalmente, en septiembre, los vientos fuertes del verano se están calmando, y eso trae cielos más limpios para observar objetos celestiales durante la noche. La Vía Láctea está resplandeciente todavía, en el cielo al sur oeste, cuando la Luna está ausente. Los gigantes gaseosos, Júpiter y Saturno, están de vuelta, por fin, durante nuestras observaciones, desde la mitad de septiembre. Y nuestra vecina más cercana, la galaxia de Andrómeda, está cada vez mas alta en el cielo al norte. No se puede olvidar el Sol y las increíbles salidas y puestas que se pueden observar este mes. Celebramos el equinoccio de septiembre, el día 23. El Sol brillará directamente sobre el ecuador y tendremos casi tanto día como noche en el mundo entero. Ese es también el primer día de otoño, el Equinoccio de Otoño del hemisferio norte. ¡Un día celebrado por todas las culturas antiguas, incluso, las de Fuerteventura!

Empezamos el mes con la Luna que brilla mucho todavía y sale temprano en el cielo de noche, la Luna Llena, una Superluna que ocurre el último día de agosto. Nuestra Luna está bloqueada en una fuerza de gravedad, girando alrededor de la Tierra y cada noche, podemos observar que sale a diferentes horas y que se pueden observar diferentes partes iluminadas de su superficie. Volvemos a cielos oscuros desde el día 4 con la Luna que sale después de la medianoche, hasta la Luna Nueva, el día 15. La Vía Láctea y las estrellas más débiles vuelven a ser protagonistas del cielo de noche otra vez. Pero, eso no dura mucho tiempo, porque el brillante Júpiter, el Rey de los Dioses, sale cada vez más temprano. Desde la mitad del mes, se encontrará en una posición perfecta para nuestras observaciones. ¡También podremos observar al notorio Saturno en el cielo de noche durante todo el mes, pero es mucho más pequeño que Júpiter, al doble de distancia de la Tierra, posiblemente no lo podremos ver como veremos Júpiter! Los dos son espectaculares a observar con un telescopio, ya que podemos observar las Lunas las más grandes de Júpiter y los anillos de Saturno. No resulta fácil encontrar el planeta Mercurio, pero posiblemente tendremos más suerte alrededor del día 22, hay que buscar por ese planeta en la parte baja del cielo al Este, justo antes de la salida del Sol.

La última Superluna del año ocurre el día 29, también llamada la Súperluna de la cosecha.

¡Cielos despejados a todos y seguid mirando hacia el cielo!

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....AUGUST NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO DE AGOSTO 2023....

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We continue to revel in the warm summer nights and this month we are truly spoiled with many awe inspiring views! With the spectacular Milky Way at its brightest, the most anticipated meteor shower of the Year and rare occurrences with the Moon. The island of Fuerteventura is ancient and in parts seems very similar to the surface of the Moon or Mars. What an awesome place to observe an ancient night sky! We start and finish this month with a Full Moon. It is rare to have two Full Moons in a month, the second being known as a Blue Moon, but as the cycle of the lunar phase is 29.5 days it is inevitable every 2/3 years. Both Full Moons are supermoons, meaning our only natural satellite will be near its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual. Another rare event involving the Moon will occur on the 24th. The Moon will pass in front of the bright star Antares in the brilliant constellation Scorpius. From Fuerteventura, we will observe the celestial objects very close and it will be a beauty to observe with the telescope or even binoculars!

Aside from enjoying the Moon we see the best month of the Year to observe Shooting Stars and the Milky Way. The Perseid Meteor Shower is running all month, peaking around the 13th and with the New Moon on the 16th, skies should still be dark enough for a spectacular show! We also have the Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower still present through till late August. The Perseid meteors radiate from the constellation of Perseus and the Delta Aquarid from below the Square of Pegasus, but can be seen anywhere in the Sky. If you have never seen a Shooting Star before now is the time to be looking Up!

And we can’t forget the Planets of our Solar system that are visible. The true Lord of the Rings, Saturn is back! Rising just after the darkness and is visible all night, setting in the Western Sky after the Sun has risen. This gas giant is a distant from Earth, at its furthest around 1.7 billion km, but still we can appreciate the rings with a decent telescope. Saturn is the only Planet visible all month, with Venus and Mars disappearing below the Western horizon. Jupiter, the King of the Gods, is rising in the early hours of the morning and by the end of the month is visible before midnight. Mercury is a notoriously difficult planet to observe, however, on the 10th there is a chance. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset. There is a lot to observe this month! Clear skies to everyone and Keep Looking Up!

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Seguimos disfrutando de las noches calientes del verano y, este mes, estamos realmente asombrado con unas vistas alucinantes, con la espectacular Vía Láctea tan brillante, la lluvia de meteoros, la más esperada del año, y acontecimientos extraños con la Luna. La isla de Fuerteventura es muy anciana y partes de la isla son muy similares a la superficie de la Luna o de Marte. ¡Qué lugar impresionante para la observación de un anciano cielo de noche! Empezamos y terminamos el mes con una Luna llena. Es raro tener dos Lunas llenas en un mes, la segunda Luna se llama la Luna Azul, y como el ciclo lunar es de 29,5 días, es un hecho inevitable cada 2-3 años. Las dos Lunas son Súper Lunas, lo que quiere decir que nuestro único satélite natural, estará lo más cerca de la Tierra y podría parecer más grande y brillante de lo habitual. Otro acontecimiento extraño que implica la Luna tendrá lugar el día 24. La Luna pasará frente a la luminosa estrella Antares de la brillante constelación del Escorpio. ¡Desde Fuerteventura, podremos ver objetos celestiales cercanos y será magnífico observarlos con un telescopio o incluso con binoculares!

Aparte de poder aprovechar la Luna, también es el mejor mes del año para observar estrellas fugaces y la Vía Láctea. ¡La lluvia de meteoros de las Perseidas dura todo el mes, con su punto máximo alrededor del día 13 y con la Luna Nueva, el día 16, los cielos tendrían que ser bastante oscuros para aprovechar de un maravilloso espectáculo! También tenemos la lluvia de meteoros Delta Acuáridas que dura hasta el final del mes de agosto. Los meteoros de Perseidas irradian de la constelación de Perseo, y los de Delta Acuáridas, de la parte baja del cuadro de Pegaso, pero se podrán observar en cualquier sitio del cielo. ¡Ya es la hora de mirar hacia el cielo para las personas quienes nunca han visto una estrella fugaz!

Y no se puede olvidar los planetas de nuestro sistema solar que se pueden observar. ¡El verdadero Señor de los Anillos, Saturno, está de vuelta! Sale justo después de la llegada de la oscuridad y se puede observar toda la noche, y se pone al Oeste después de la salida del Sol. Ese gigante de gas está muy lejos de la Tierra, a unos 1,7 billones de kilómetros, pero todavía se pueden apreciar sus anillos con un buen telescopio. Saturno es el único planeta que se podrá observar todo el mes, con Venus y Marte que desaparecen en el horizonte del Oeste. Júpiter, el Rey de los Dioses, sale muy temprano por la mañana y al final del mes, se podrá observar antes de la media noche. Mercurio es conocido por ser un planeta difícil de observar, sin embargo, el día 10, tendremos más suerte. Se puede buscar ese planeta en la parte baja del cielo al Oeste, justo después de la puesta del Sol. ¡Hay mucho que observar este mes! ¡Cielos despejados a todos y seguid mirando hacia el Cielo!

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....JULY NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO....

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The month of July is a truly magical time to be observing the night sky of Fuerteventura. When the Moon is not present, the glorious Milky Way can be seen all night, rising in the Eastern Sky and setting in the west. The infamous Perseid Meteor Shower starts on the same day as the New Moon, running till the end of August. Mars and the ‘Evening Star’ Venus are still visible in the Western Sky and the gas giants Saturn and Jupiter are rising in the East. And we start the month with this Years first Supermoon! The cycles of Nature displayed in a spectacular light show. With the warm summer nights it is time to get outside and experience the night sky!

The full moon, SuperMoon rises on the 3rd July. At its nearest point, the Moon will be 361,934 km from Earth. It should appear bigger and brighter in the night sky and will be a Wonder to observe rising. Of course the glare of ‘her’ light means the Milky Way is not visible till the 5th day and as the Moon moves towards Third Quarter phase and rising later each night, the light of the Milky Way can once again dominate the night sky. Planet Earth is about 26,000 light-years from the center of our galaxy, located in the Orion-Cygnus Arm. The Milky Way, as named in ancient times by the Greeks, “Via Lactea” is referring to the two primary spiral arms of our Galaxy, the Sagittarius and Perseus Arms. The myth goes that the goddess Hera pushed the baby Hercules away from her breast, and a stream of her glowing breast milk gushed across the sky. But not all cultures saw it this way! The Arabs and Native Americans of the Great Lakes saw it as a river. Polynesians called the Milky Way a cloud-eating shark. To some early Hindus of India, it was the path of their god Aryaman upward to his heavenly throne. The Celtic Welsh saw it as the path that their sly trickster and warrior Gwydion left as he pursued his fleeing wife. The Maori of New Zealand see it as the canoe of Tami-reriti. Each culture had their own myhts connected to what they saw in the Sky, but it was the Greek/Roman interpreation that has given us the name of our home, the Milky Way.

The best time to observe shooting stars will be form the 17th up until the end of the month, with the Delta Aquarid meteor shower peaking on the 29th/30th July. The Moon is present in these weeks, but with the Perseids Meteor shower running as well, there is always a chance to wish upon a shooting star.

Clear skies to everyone!

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El mes de julio es verdaderamente el mejor momento para observar el cielo de noche de Fuerteventura. Cuando la Luna está ausente, se puede observar la magnífica Vía Láctea durante toda la noche, saliendo en el cielo del Este y poniéndose en el cielo de Oeste. La famosa lluvia de meteoros de las Perseidas empieza el día de la Nueva Luna, y continua hasta el final de agosto. Marte y la “Estrella de la Noche”, Venus, se pueden ver todavía en el Oeste y los gigantes de gas, Saturno y Júpiter salen en el Este. ¡Y empezamos el mes con la primera Súper Luna del año! Los ciclos de la naturaleza están expuestos en un fabuloso espectáculo de luces. ¡Con las noches calientes del verano, es el momento ideal para salir y observar el cielo de noche!

La Luna llena, la Súper Luna ocurre el día 3 de julio. Cuando se encuentra a su punto más cerca, la Luna está a 361934 kilómetros de la Tierra. Parece más grande y brillante en el cielo de noche y es un fabulosos espectáculo observar su salida. Obviamente, su brillo implica que la Vía Láctea no se podrá observar hasta el día 5 de julio y a medida que la Luna evoluciona hacia su fase de Tercer Cuarto y sale más tarde cada noche, la luz de la Vía Láctea vuelve a dominar el cielo de noche. La Tierra se encuentra a unos 26000 años luz del centro de nuestra galaxia, en el brazo de Orión. La Vía Láctea, llamada así por los griegos se refiere a los dos principales brazo en espiral de nuestra Galaxia, los brazos del Sagitario y de Perseo. El mito dice que la diosa Hera había rechazado el bebé Hércules de su pecho, y que gotas de su leche brillante se habían dispersado en el cielo. Pero cada cultura tiene su versión; los árabes y los indios americanos de los Grandes Lagos la veían como un río. Para los polinesios, la Vía Láctea es un tiburón que come nubes. Para algunos de los primeros hindúes de India, era el camino de su dios Aryaman hacia su trono divino. Para los galeses célticos, era el camino que su malicioso estafador y guerrero Gwydion había dejado persiguiendo a su esposa que huía de él. Los Maorí de Nueva Zelanda la ven como el canoa de Tami-reriti. Cada cultura tiene su propio mito en conexión con lo que veían en el cielo, pero la interpretación de los griegos y romanos ha dado el nombre que utilizamos, la Vía Láctea.

El mejor momento para observar las estrellas fugaces será desde el día 17 hasta el final del mes, con la lluvia de meteoros Delta Acuáridas que alcanza su punto máximo los días 29 y 30 de julio. La Luna estará presente, pero con la lluvia de meteoros de Las Perseidas presente al mismo periodo, tendremos bastantes oportunidades de pedir un deseo a las estrellas.

¡Cielos despejados a todos!

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....JUNE NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO DE JUNIO 2023....

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Summer is here! The Summer Solstice falls on the 21st June. This is the longest day of the Year and is seen as the first day of Summer, and celebrated since ancient times. The sun will be directly overhead at noon as viewed from the Tropic of Cancer (Fuerteventura is slightly north of the Tropic of Cancer). Of course this also means that it is the shortest night of the Year! Everything is connected in the cycles of nature.

We start the month with the Moon in Waxing Gibbous phase moving towards the Full Moon on the 4th June. The Moon will be dominating the night sky until after the 6th night, but still we hope to appreciate the Planet Mars passing through the Beehive cluster on the 1st and 2nd. A good pair of binoculars, or even better a telescope will allow you to observe this rare event! The Beehive cluster is an open cluster of stars found around the constellation of Cancer. And on the 12th and 13th we will see the Planet Venus passing the same group of Stars. Again best observed with a telescope or a good pair of binocluars!

The Summer triangle is now visible in the north east but the real highlight of the night sky is the central part of our Milky Way rising in the South Eastern sky. Look for the beautiful constellation Scorpio and Sagitarius to orientate yourself. The brightness of the Moon does effect your view of the Milky Way so choose a night with the Moon not present. If you have never seen the Milky Way before it is definitely worth heading out into the darkness! The New Moon is on the 18th June and is the best night of the month to observe the fainter objects!

Clear skies to everyone and Keep Looking Up.

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¡El verano ya está aquí! El solsticio de verano cae el 21 de junio. Es el día más largo del año y se considera y se celebra desde la antigüedad. El Sol estará directamente sobre nosotros a mediodía visto desde el Trópico de Cáncer (Fuerteventura está ligeramente al norte del Trópico de Cáncer). Por supuesto, esto también significa que es la noche más corta del año. Todo está conectado en los ciclos de la naturaleza.

Empezamos el mes con la Luna en fase gibosa creciente moviéndose hacia la Luna Llena el 4 de junio. La Luna dominará el cielo nocturno hasta después de la sexta noche, pero aún así esperamos apreciar el paso del planeta Marte por el cúmulo de la Colmena los días 1 y 2. Un buen par de prismáticos, o mejor aún, ¡un telescopio le permitirá observar este raro acontecimiento! El cúmulo de la Colmena es un cúmulo abiertode estrellas que se encuentra alrededor de la constelación de Cáncer. Y los días 12 y 13 veremos al Planeta Venus pasando por el mismo grupo de estrellas. De nuevo, la mejor manera de observarlo es con un telescopio o un buen par de binoculares.

El triángulo de verano es ahora visible en el noreste, pero lo más destacado del cielo nocturno es la parte central de nuestra Vía Láctea, que se eleva en el cielo. parte central de nuestra Vía Láctea que se eleva en el cielo del sudeste. Busca las bellas constelaciones de Escorpio y Sagitario para orientarte. El brillo de la Luna afecta a la visión de la Vía Láctea, así que elige una noche sin Luna. Si nunca has visto la Vía Láctea, merece la pena adentrarse en la oscuridad. merece la pena adentrarse en la oscuridad. La Luna Nueva es el 18 de junio y es la mejor noche del mes para observar los objetos más débiles.

Cielos despejados para todos y a seguir mirando hacia arriba.

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....MAY NIGHT SKY 2023.. CIELO NOCTURNO DE MAYO 2023....

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Each day the Sun appears to rise from an easterly direction, traces a clockwise arc across the heavens and then sets towards the west, disappearing for the dark time we call night. By the end of the month the Sun is setting just before 9pm. The beautiful long days of Summer are upon us, but it does mean we have to wait until after 10pm to see the Stars! The dynamic forces between the sun, earth, and moon can be appreciated by simply observing their daily movements. The Full Moon arrives on the 5th day so we start the month with a bright Moon, already dominating the night sky with her brilliance! There is a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse occurring, however it is not visible from Fuerteventura. The Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower is peaking on the 6th/7th but the Moon will be a problem, blocking out all but the brightest meteors. The meteor shower has been running since the end of April and finishes around the 28th May. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour and in the Southern Hemisphere around 60, produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, which has been observed since ancient times. The night of the 8th and the 9th could be best viewing this Year! Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky. From the 6th day the Moon is rising later each night and becoming less illuminated as it passes through Waning Gibbous to Waning Crescent Phase and back to the New Moon on the 19th day. This is the darkest night of the month and the best time to photograph a beautiful starry night sky or simply to look up and appreciate even the fainter Stars! Venus is shining bright in the evening sky all month and Mars is still visible, getting lower in the Western Sky. Saturn is rising in the early hours of the morning, along with the beautiful constellation of Scorpio and the core of our Galaxy. Clean skies to everyone and Keep Looking Up!

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Cada día, el Sol parece levantarse desde el Este, y moverse trazando un arco en el sentido de las agujas del reloj cruzando el cielo y al final, ponerse en el Oeste, desapareciendo durante las horas de sombra, que llamamos la noche. Al final del mes, el Sol se pone antes de las 21 horas. Los maravillosos días largos del verano están llegando, pero eso quiere decir que tenemos que esperar hasta después de las 22 horas para ver las Estrellas. Se pueden apreciar las fuerzas dinámicas entre el Sol, la Tierra y la Luna simplemente observando sus movimientos diarios. ¡La Luna Llena llega el día 5, entonces empezamos el mes con una Luna brillante que ya domina el cielo de noche con su luminosidad! Hay un eclipse lunar penumbral, pero no se podrá verlo desde Fuerteventura. La lluvia de meteoros de las Eta Acuáridas llega a su punto máximo los días 6 y 7, pero la Luna será un problema, y su brillo esconderá todos los meteoros, aparte de los más brillantes. La lluvia de meteoros empezó al final de abril y termina alrededor del día 28 de mayo. En el hemisferio Norte, se podrán ver unos 30 meteoros cada hora y en el hemisferio Sur, unos 60. Están producidos por partículas de polvo dejadas por el cometa Halley, que se observa desde los tiempos antiguos. ¡Las noches de los días 8 y 9 podrían ser las mejores del año para las observaciones! Los meteoros irradian de la Constelación de Acuario, pero podrían aparecer en cualquier lugar del cielo. Desde el día 6, la Luna sale más tarde cada noche y con menos luminosidad, cuando pasa de su fase de cuarto menguante a su fase de luna menguante cóncava y de vuelta a la Luna Nueva, el día 19. Será la noche la más oscura del mes y el mejor momento para tomar fotos de los maravillosos cielos estrellados o simplemente mirar hacia arriba y apreciar las estrellas las más distantes. Venus brilla fuertemente en el cielo de noche durante todo el mes y todavía se puede observar Marte, que está cada vez más bajo en el cielo del Oeste. Saturno sale temprano por la mañana, con la preciosa constelación del Escorpio y el centro de nuestra Galaxia. ¡Cielos despejados a todos y seguid mirando hacia el cielo!

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....APRIL NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO DE ABRIL 2023....

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April has arrived and we can enjoy the days getting longer. The month starts with the Moon in Waxing Gibbous phase, already dominating the night sky. We will lose many of the faintest stars under her glare but still the almighty stars of Orion shine bright, along with Arcturus, Sirius and Capella. The Full Moon rises on the 6th day. This is the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox and for this reason is known as the Paschal Full Moon, an important date if you celebrate Easter. Also known as the Pink Moon by Native Americans, due to not the Moon being pink but the abundance of Moss Pink, a wildflower. We will return to dark, starry skies, during our observations, from the 9th day. The Pleiades star cluster, known as the 7 Sisters again grabs our attention. Look for the bright orange star Aldebaran, in the V shaped head of the Taurus constellation and this gem of a star cluster is close by! The 20th day sees the New Moon and the darkest night sky of the month. A Hybrid Solar Eclipse will be occurring on this day, however only visible from the Southern Hemisphere. This is a rare phenomenon that combines a partial, annular, and total solar eclipse into one stunning event!

Through out the month Venus will be shinning bright in the night sky. Venus is a Roman goddess who corresponds to the goddess Aphrodite in Greek mythology. According to Roman mythology, Venus sprang up from the sea when the testicles of Uranus had been cut off and thrown into the ocean. She is known as the goddess of love and beauty as well as fields and gardens. Mercury is a difficult Planet to observe, being so close to the Sun, however on the 11th day it is at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky and this will be your best chance to observe it. The Greek god Hermes (the Roman Mercury) was the god of translators and interpreters. He was the most clever of the Olympian gods, and served as messenger for all the other gods. He ruled over wealth, good fortune, commerce, fertility, and thievery. Among his personal favorite commercial activities was the corn trade. Jupiter, the King of the Gods, Zeus is now setting early in the night sky so is difficult to observe, but Mars is still visible. Mars is the god of war in Roman religion and mythology, and his Greek counterpart is Ares. Though he is primarily known as the god of war, he is also known as a guardian of agriculture, the god of spring, fertility, virility, and growth in nature. All ancient cultures have their own mythologies connected to the celestial objects and we have all been mesmerised by the universe ever since.

Keep Looking Up!

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El mes empieza con la luna en su fase creciente gibosa, que ya domina el cielo de noche. Perdemos la mayoría de las estrellas más débiles por su brillo, pero las tremendas estrellas de Orión brillan con fuerza, con Arcturus, Sirius y Capella. La luna llena ocurre el día 6. Es la primera luna llena desde el equinoccio de primavera y por esa razón, se llama la luna de Pascua, una fecha importante si usted celebra la Pascua. Los indios americanos la conocen como Luna Rosa, que no es debido al color de la luna, sino a la abundancia del flores silvestres de color rosa, como el Flox Musgo. Volvemos a cielos obscuros y estrellados desde el día 9. El cumulo de estrellas de Las Pléyades, también conocido como Las Siete Hermanas, vuelve a llamar nuestra atención. Busquen la estrella brillante de color naranja Aldebarán, en la cabeza en forma de “V” de la constelación del Tauro y ese maravilloso cúmulo de estrellas se encuentra justo al lado. La Nueva Luna ocurre el día 20, que será la noche la más oscura del mes. Un eclipse solar hibrido también ocurre ese mismo día, pero solo se podrá divisar desde el hemisferio sur. ¡Este es un fenómeno excepcional que combina un eclipse solar parcial, anular y total en un evento impresionante! Venus brilla con fuerza en el cielo de noche durante todo el mes. Venus es una diosa romana que corresponde a la diosa Afrodita de la mitología griega. Según la mitología romana, Venus salió del mar cuando se cortaron y echaron al mar los testículos de Uranus. Esta conocida como la Diosa del amor y de la belleza, y también de los campos y de los jardines. Mercurio es un planeta difícil de observar por encontrarse tan cerca del Sol, pero el día 11, se encontrará en el punto lo más alto encima del horizonte en el cielo de noche y será el mejor momento para observarlo. El dios griego Hermes (Mercurio en la mitología romana) era el dios de los traductores y interpretes. Era el dios el más inteligente de los Dioses Olímpicos y era el mensajero de los otros Dioses. Gobernaba la riqueza, la buena suerte, el comercio, la fertilidad y el hurto. Su actividad comercial preferida era el comercio de maíz. Júpiter, el rey de los Dioses, Zeus, se pone temprano en el cielo de noche, por lo que resulta difícil observar ese planeta, pero todavía se puede observar Marte, dios de la guerra en la religión y mitología romana (su homólogo griego es Ares). Aunque está principalmente conocido como el dios de la guerra, también es conocido como el protector de la agricultura, el dios de la primavera, de la fertilidad, de la virilidad y del crecimiento de la naturaleza. Todas la culturas ancianas tienen sus propias mitologías conectadas con los objetos celestiales y estamos cautivados por el universo desde entonces. ¡Seguid mirando hacia el cielo!

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....MARCH NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO DE MARZO 2023....

Sunset, Caledron Hondo Volcano, Lajares

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March has arrived bringing warmer and longer days, with the Spring Equinox on the 20th day. Daylight saving time starts on Sunday, 26 March with the Sun setting at 20:15. It is the constant dance of the Sun, Moon and Earth around each other that supports life on our Planet.

In the first week we see the Moon dominating the night sky, up until the Full Moon on the 7th day. It is magical to observe the Moon, each night in a different position and different illumination, clearly displaying the cycles of nature in motion. The differing positions of the Planets is also a great indicator of the natural cycles of nature. Saturn is no longer visible, but we do still start all our observations with Venus, Jupiter and Mars!

From the 10th day we return to dark skies during our observations and can truly appreciate even the fainter celestial objects! The darkest night is of course on the New Moon, the 21st March! Keep Looking Up!

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El mes de marzo ha llegado, trayendo días más calientes y más largos, con el equinoccio de primavera, el día 20. El horario de verano empieza el domingo 26 de marzo, con la puesta del Sol a las 20:15. Es un baile continuo del Sol, de la Luna y de la Tierra, girando los unos alrededor de los otros, que mantiene la vida sobre nuestro Planeta. Durante la primera semana, la Luna domina el cielo de noche, hasta la Luna Llena del día 7. Observar la Luna es algo mágico, cada noche una posición diferente, una iluminación diferente, demostrando claramente los ciclos de la Natura en marcha. Las diferentes posiciones de los planetas también son excelentes indicadores de los ciclos de la naturaleza. ¡Saturno ya no es visible, pero podemos empezar nuestras observaciones con Venus, Júpiter y Marte! Desde el día 10, los cielos oscuros vuelven y en nuestras observaciones podemos realmente apreciar hasta los objetos celestiales más distantes. ¡La noche más oscura es obviamente durante la Nueva Luna, el día 21 de marzo! ¡Seguid mirando hacia el cielo!

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....FEBRUARY NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO DE FEBRERO 2023....

….Orion, with the nebula clearly visible..Orión, con la nebulosa claramente visible….

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The month of February starts with the Moon in Waxing Gibbous phase, already very bright and dominating the night sky, until it reaches full illumination on the 5th day. The Native Americans named the full moon of February the Snow Moon, as most countries in the Northern hemisphere would have snow in this month. There is no chance of snow here in Fuerteventura, but maybe at the highest points of Gran Canaria and on Telde there will be some white Peaks!

Even with the luminous moon, there is a winter constellation, Orion, the famous Hunter, that still shines bright! It has some of the biggest and brightest stars in the night sky. The main figure of Orion consists of seven bright stars. The brightest of these are Betelgeuse on his right shoulder and Rigel on his left knee. Betelgeuse is an enormous red supergiant that NASA thinks might of just gone Supernova, however, at 650 light years from earth we might not see this occurring in our lifetime! Rigel is an enormous blue supergiant and is about 860 light years from us! You can clearly see the differnet colours of these big, bright stars. We can’t forget the hidden treasure in the sword, The Orion Nebula. This is a beautiful example of the birth place of the stars! Observed with the telescope you can appreciate the cloud of gas that new born stars have been born from. We observe it in black and white but in actual fact is full of colours, pink and purple! Look to the south to find this majestic constellation in the night sky.

We are still spolit with the number of Planets visible. Saturn is too low to be observed with the telescope but can just about be seen with the naked eye very low in the western sky. Next Venus, the “evening star” is shinning brighter and brighter as the darkness falls. If we continue along the eliptic path we come across Jupiter and then Mars. All visible with the naked eye and clearing defining this invisible path through the sky!

The New Moon arrives on the 20th day. The nights around this date are the darkest and best to observe the faintest stars. Each night after the Moon will delight us as she appears slightly more illuminated. We finish the month with the Moon once again in Waxing Gibbous phase.

Clear skies to everyone!

And keep Looking up!

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El mes de febrero empieza con la Luna en su fase creciente gibosa muy brillante, dominando el cielo de noche, hasta su iluminación total, el día 5. Los nativos americanos llamaron a la luna llena de febrero, la Luna de Nieve, ya que la mayoría de los países del hemisferio norte tendrían nieve en esa época. No hay probabilidad de tener nieve en Fuerteventura, pero quizás en las partes altas de Gran Canaria y sobre Teide, ¡las cimas estarán blancas!

¡Incluso con la luminosidad de la Luna, una de las constelaciones del invierno, Orión, el famoso cazador, brilla fuertemente! Tiene algunas de las estrellas más grandes y brillantes del cielo de noche y las principales son siete. La más brillante de ellas es Betelgeuse sobre su hombro derecho y Rigel sobre su rodilla izquierda. Betelgeuse es una enorme estrella supergigante roja y la NASA piensa que posiblemente se ha convertido en una Supernova, sin embargo, está a 650 años luz de la Tierra, ¡y no lo veremos ocurrir durante nuestra vida! Rigel es una enorme supergigante azul que se encuentra a unos 860 años luz de nosotros. Se pueden ver claramente los colores de estas grandes y brillantes estrellas. No se puede olvidar el tesoro escondido en la espada, la Nebulosa de Orión. ¡Esto es un magnífico ejemplo del lugar de nacimiento de las estrellas! Cuando la observamos con el telescopio, vemos la nube de gas donde nacen las estrellas. ¡Lo observamos en blanco y negro, pero en realidad está repleto de colores, rosa y violeta! Mirad al sur para encontrar esa majestuosa constelación en el cielo de noche.

Estamos ensimismados con el número de planetas que se pueden observar. Saturno está demasiado bajo para poder observarlo con el telescopio, pero se puede más o menos ver a simple vista muy bajo al Oeste. Luego Venus, la “estrella de la noche” brilla más fuerte cada vez que vuelve la oscuridad. Continuando a lo largo del camino elíptico, encontramos Júpiter y Marte. ¡Todos se pueden ver a simple vista, claramente definiendo ese camino invisible en el cielo!

La Luna Nueva llega el día 20. Alrededor de esa fecha las noches son más oscuras y las mejores para observar las estrellas las más débiles. Cada noche, la Luna se pone cada vez más brillante y nos encanta cada vez más. Terminamos el mes con la Luna en su fase creciente gibosa otra vez.

¡Cielos despejados a todos! !Seguid mirando hacia el cielo!

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....JANUARY NIGHT SKY 2023..CIELO NOCTURNO DE ENER0 2023....

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We start the New Year with the Quadrantids Meteor Shower, running from the 1st-5th of January, peaking on the night of the 3rd. It is believed to be produced by the dust grains left behind by an extinct comet known as 2003 EH1, which was discovered in 2003. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Bootes, but can appear anywhere in the sky. The Moon is present in the first week, in Waxing Gibbous phase and reaching full illumination on the 6th, meaning you will need a little patience to catch a shooting star! The Full Moon of January is known as the Wolf Moon by The Native American tribes, as they would hear the wolf packs howl with hunger. From the 9th onward we begin to enjoy dark skies again, with the Moon becoming less illuminated and rising later each night. We see the darkest night of the month on the 21st, with the New Moon. The spectacular constellation, Orion is now high in the night sky, with all his animals around him. The brightest star of the sky, Sirius is found in Canis Major, or the Big Dog and Procyon in Canis Menor, the Little Dog. The darker the sky the better we can appreciate the incredulous form of the Orion Nebula, found in the sword of the famous hunter. If you want to catch the light of the Andromeda Galaxy, you need to look to the South Western sky. Mars and Jupiter are dominating the night sky all month, with Saturn becoming lower each night in the Western Sky. The “evening” star, Venus and Mercury are positioned low and close to the horizon and setting Sun. Mercury will be difficult to observe but you should be able to observe Venus. Look to the west after the Sun has set. The best chance to observe Mercury will be on the 30th as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. Wishing everyone a Year full of health and high vibration. Love the Stars by Night team

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Empezamos el año nuevo con la Lluvia de Meteoros de Las Cuadrántidas, del día 1 al día 5 de enero, alcanzando su punto máximo durante la noche del día 3. Se dice que proviene de restos del cometa extinto, 2003 EH1, que fue descubierto, en 2003. Meteoros irradiarán de la constelación de Bootes, pero se podrán divisar en cualquiera parte del cielo. La Luna estará presente durante la primera semana, en su fase creciente gibosa, y alcanzará su iluminación completa, el día 6, ¡es decir que se tendrá que esperar un poco antes de poder ver una estrella fugaz! Las tribus de los indios americanos llamaban la Luna Llena de enero,Luna del Lobo, porque podían oír los lobos aullando de hambre. Desde el día 9, empezamos a tener cielos oscuros otra vez, con la Luna que se vuelve menos iluminada y que sale más tarde cada noche. La noche la más oscura del mes será la noche del día 21, con la Nueva Luna. La constelación espectacular de Orión está muy alta en el cielo ahora, con todos sus animales rodeándole. La estrella la más brillante del cielo, Sirius, se encuentra en el Can Mayor (Canis Maior), y Procyon, en Can Menor (Canis Minor). Con cielos más oscuros podremos apreciar mejor la forma increíble de la Nebulosa de Orión, que se encuentra en la espada del famoso cazador. Para divisar la luminosidad de la Galaxia de Andrómeda, tendréis que mirar hacia el Sur Oeste. Marte y Júpiter dominan el cielo de noche durante todo el mes, con Saturno que se encuentra cada vez más bajo en el cielo de noche al Oeste. Venus y Mercurio están bajos y cerca del horizonte y del sol que se pone. Resultará difícil observar Mercurio, pero tendréis que poder ver Venus mirando al Oeste después de la puesta del sol. El día 30 será la mejor oportunidad de observar Mercurio porque estará a su punto más alto, encima del horizonte, por la mañana. Hace falta buscar el planeta en la parte baja del cielo al Este justo antes del amanecer. El equipo de Stars by Night os desea a todas y todos un feliz año nuevo, la salud y altas vibraciones.

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....DECEMBER NIGHT SKY 2022..CIELO NOCTURNO DE DICIEMBRE 2022....

….December has arrived bringing the dark, clean skies of Winter and my favourite meteor shower of the Year, The Geminids. 

We start the month with the Moon in Waxing Gibbous phase. Already bright in the night sky, we lose many of the fainter stars, including the distant light from our closest neighbour, The Andromeda Galaxy. After, the Full Moon on the 8th day, the dark skies slowly begin to return with the Moon rising later each night and moving from Waning Gibbous, to Waning Crescent before returning to the New Moon phase on the 23rd day.  

The Geminids Meteor shower occurs annually, from the 19th November to 24th December. Unlike most meteor showers that are the result of debris from comets,  The Geminids Meteor Shower is the result of an asteroid, 3200 Phaethon. This was very unusual, as never before had an asteroid been suggested as causing a meteor shower. It is still not known how material from the asteroid’s surface, or interior, is released into the meteoroid stream. There is a good chance of observing fire balls and different coloured meteors, hence why it is my favourite. The meteor shower peaks on the 14th, with the bright Moon rising at 23:43 so I would recommend this night as optimum viewing. 

Winter Solstice is on the 21st. Cultures all over the world will celebrate the shortest day of the year. Here, in Fuerteventura, it is believed that the ancient people would sit in the Coral de Asemblea to observe the Sunrise over the sacred mountain.  

There are Planets visible all month. Jupiter is shinning as the brightest Planet, high in the night sky, with Saturn setting in the Western Sky and Mars rising in the Eastern. At the beginning of the month Venus is setting during the Blue hour and is difficult to observe but by the end of the month she will be easy to find in the Western Sky. Mercury is usually difficult to find, being small and so close to the Sun but try to find the Planet in the Western Sky during the Blue Hour. 

The Orion constellation is dominating the starry night sky with it's enormous  brilliant stars and Sirius is dazzling as the brightest star in the sky. December is sparkling this year with planets, nebula, galaxies and shooting stars! 

Look up! 

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Diciembre llega con sus despejados y oscuros cielos invernales. Empezamos el mes con la Luna en su fase creciente gibosa. La Luna ya es brillante en el cielo, y entonces perdemos muchas de las estrellas más débiles, incluyendo la luz ejana de nuestra vecina más cercana, la Galaxia de Andrómeda. Después de la Luna lena del día 8, los cielos oscuros vuelven poco a poco con la Luna que sale más tarde cada noche y pasa de su fase de cuarto menguante a Luna menguante, antes de volver a su fase de Luna nueva, el día 23.

La lluvia de meteoros de las Gemínidas vuelve cada año, desde el día 19 de noviembre hasta el día 24 de diciembre. A diferencia de la mayoría de las lluvias de meteoros, que son el resultado de restos de cometas, esa lluvia resulta de un asteroide, el 3200 Faetón. Eso es extraordinario, y es la primera vez que se ha sugerido que es la causa de una lluvia de meteoros. Todavía no se sabe como materia de la superficie o del interior del asteroide ha entrado en la cola. Podremos observar bolas de fuego y meteoros de diferentes colores. La lluvia alcanzará su punto máximo el día 14, con la Luna brillante que sale a las 23:43; por eso se recomienda observarla durante esa noche para beneficiarse del mejor espectáculo.

El solsticio de invierno ocurre el día 21. Culturas por el mundo entero van a celebrar el día el más corto del año. Aquí, en Fuerteventura, se dice que los poblados antiguos se reunían para observar el amanecer encima de la montaña sagrada.

Algunos planetas se pueden observar durante todo el mes. Júpiter es el planeta más brillante, muy alto en el cielo de noche, con Saturno que se pone al Oeste y Marte que sale al Este. Al principio del mes, Venus se pone durante el crepúsculo y será dificil observarle, pero al final del mes resultará más fácil verle al Oeste.

Normalmente es difícil localizar a Mercurio, porque es pequeño y demasiado cerca del Sol, pero pueden intentar visualizar ese planeta en el Oeste durante el crepúsculo. La Constelación de Orión domina el cielo estrellado con sus enormes estrellas brillantes y Sirius es resplandeciente, la estrella más brillante del cielo. ¡Diciembre está resplandeciente este año, con planetas, nebulosas, galaxias y estrellas fugaces!

¡Mirad hacia arriba!

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....NOVEMBER NIGHT SKY 2022..CIELO NOCTURNO DE NOVIEMBRE 2022....

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NIGHT SKY NOVEMBER 2022

The month of November starts with the Moon already the Protagonist of the night. In Waxing Gibbous phase, with more than 50% of her surface illuminated by the reflection of our Principle Star, the Sun. Rising later each day and becoming increasingly illuminated until we reach the Full Moon on the 8th day. We do have the Taurids Meteor Shower peaking on the night of the 4th and morning of the 5th. It is a weak shower and with the bright Moon best viewing will be once she has set, around 4 am! The Leonids Meteor Shower, peaking on the night of the 17th, morning of the 18th will be a better Show, with the Moon rising around 2am and just over 30% illuminated.

The Planets Saturn, Jupiter and Mars are visible all month, following the Ecliptic Path of our Sun. Even the Full Moon can not hide these awesome celestial bodies of our Solar System, but if we want to capture the light of another galaxy or nebula's and star clusters then a night sky without the Moon is best. The almighty winter constellation of Orion is now rising in the Eastern sky, with the enormous Betelgeuse and Rigel stars dominating, but don’t miss the light coming from the middle of the famous Orion belt. Even with the naked eye we are able to observe the bright mass of light, showing us the Orion nebula. This light was sent to Earth over 1,344 years ago. The bright mass of light is a cloud of gases with newly born stars! With our telescope you can appreciate the form of this cloud and some of the biggest and incredibly bright young stars. The most distant light that we can observe from Earth, with the naked eye, is the Andromeda Galaxy. On a dark night and away from the bright lights of the towns we can observe this object as a bright smudge of light and with the telescope we can make out the basic shape of this spiral galaxy. It is all about the light!

It is a joy to observe the Moon as she passes through the different phases, each night showing us more details of her surface. After full illumination on the 8th, the Moon moves into Waning Crescent phase, each night rising later and becoming less illuminated, returning the night to darkness and the Stars are visible again. There is a total Lunar Eclipse, however it is not visible from the Canary Islands. The beginning of the month is dominating by the Moon and Planets and the last 2 weeks of the month we can appreciate the starry night sky and some distant objects.

Clear skies to everyone! Keep looking up!

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CIELO DE NOCHE DE NOVIEMBRE 2022

El mes de noviembre empieza con la Luna como protagonista en el cielo, en su fase creciente, con más de 50% de su superficie iluminada por la reverberación de nuestra mayor estrella, el Sol. Sale más tarde cada día y se vuelve cada vez más iluminada hasta su fase de Luna Llena, el día 8. La Lluvia de meteoros de las Táuridas alcanza su máximo durante la noche del día 4 al día 5. Es una lluvia débil y con la Luna tan brillante, mejor observarla después de la puesta de la Luna, o sea, ¡alrededor de las 4 de la mañana! La lluvia de meteoros de las Leónidas, que alcanza su máximo durante la noche de día 17 al día 18, será un mejor espectáculo porque la Luna se pone alrededor de las 2 de la mañana y solo está iluminada a 30%.

Los planetas Saturno, Júpiter y Marte se pueden observar durante todo el mes, siguiendo la ruta elíptica de nuestro Sol. Ni siquiera la Luna llena puede ocultar estos objetos celestes de nuestro Sistema Solar, pero si queremos observar la luz de otra galaxia, nebulosa o cúmulo de estrellas, entonces, mejor elegir una noche sin Luna. La impresionante constelación de invierno de Orión sale ahora en el cielo del Este, con las estrellas enormes de Betelgeuse y de Rigel que prevalecen, pero no se debe perder de vista la luz que viene del centro del famoso Cinturón de Orión. Incluso a simple vista, se puede observar la masa de luz brillante donde está la nebulosa de Orión. Esa luz está viajando hacia la Tierra desde hace 1344 años. ¡Esa masa de luz brillante es una nube de gas con estrellas recién nacidas! Con un telescopio, se puede apreciar la forma de esa nube y algunas de las estrellas jóvenes más grandes e increiblemente brillantes. La luz más lejana que se puede observar desde la Tierra a simple vista es la galaxia de Andrómeda. Durante las noches oscuras y lejos de las luces de la ciudad, podemos observar ese objeto que parece a una mancha de luz brillante y con un telescopio, podemos ver la forma básica de esa galaxia de espiral. ¡Todo es una cuestión de luz!

Es un placer observar la Luna que cambia de una fase a otra, cada noche mostrando cada vez más detalles de su superficie. Después de su iluminación total del día 8, la Luna empieza su fase menguante, cada noche sale un poco más tarde y está cada vez menos iluminada, hasta la vuelta a la oscuridad cuando las estrellas están visibles otra vez. Hay un eclipse total de la Luna, pero no se podrá observar desde las Islas Canarias. El principio del mes estará dominado por la Luna y los planetas y durante las dos últimas semanas del mes, podremos observar las noches estrelladas y algunos objetos distantes.

¡Cielos despejados para todos y seguid mirando hacia el cielo!

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....OCTOBER NIGHT SKY 20222..CIELO NOCTURNO OCTUBRE 2022....

….Look for Mars appearing in the Eastern sky around midnight, each night rising a little earlier. ..Busque la aparición de Marte en el cielo del Este alrededor de la medianoche, cada noche saliendo un poco antes. ….

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"From early times people have observed the stars in order to understand the rhythm of Nature."

Robin Heath

Each day and night we can observe the constant movement of the Sun and Moon and Earth in an intricate dance through Space.

We start the month of October with the Moon in Waning Crescent phase and each night we see her getting more illuminated, reaching Full Moon phase on the 9th. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Hunters Moon. At this time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fat and ready to hunt. The Draconids meteor shower will be difficult to catch this year. It is a weak shower and peaks on the 7th with the bright Moon present. We do have another meteor shower towards the end of the month, The Orionids, peaking on the 21st/22nd. It is a stronger shower and the Moon is not in the night sky. This is the night to catch some shooting stars! The meteors will radiate from the constellation of Orion, but can appear anywhere in the sky! From the 16th the bright Moon, in Waxing Gibbous phase is rising after midnight, returning to dark skies once again, we can appreciate even the fainter and most distant objects, like the Andromeda Galaxy! But this month is not just our Sun and Moon and Stars that catch our attention. There are Planets about too!

Mercury is the closest Planet to our Sun and the smallest in our Solar System. For these reasons it not easy to observe, but on the 8th October, just before sunrise there is a chance! The planet reaches greatest western elongation of 18 degrees from the Sun, Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. Look low in the eastern sky.

Mars starts the month rising just before midnight and by the end of the month around 9pm. The closer the Planet to the Sun the faster its speed. Everything in constant motion, a rhythm of Nature. It will be a joy to see it return to our night sky observations.

The highlights of the month are still Zeus, the King of the gods, Jupiter and the true Lord of the Rings, Saturn. Jupiter is easy to find as it is the brightest, but how to find Saturn that is so much further and smaller than Jupiter. All the Planets follow the Elliptic Path, the same as our Moon and Sun. Find Jupiter as a reference and Saturn will be positioned above and Mars below. The path is not East to West but more NE to NW, forming an arc shape due to the oblong orbits around the Sun.

Venus, the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon will be hard to see all month. It is rising in the eastern sky close to sunrise and setting in the western sky close to sunset.

The New Moon is on the 25th and this is the best night to observe or photograph the dark starry night sky. The Milky Way is still present in the western sky and will be spectacular and the last time to appreciate it in all its glory, till next year! There is a Partial Solar Eclipse on the 25th but it is not visible from the Canary Islands.

Dont forget to change your clock 1 hour forward on the night of the 29th. These movements of the Sun, Earth and Moon were recorded as far back as The Egyptians and even earlier, using the movement as a calendar! And Time was born!

Clear skies to Everyone!
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"Desde los primeros tiempos la gente ha observado las estrellas para entender el ritmo de la Naturaleza".

Robin Heath

Cada día y cada noche podemos observar el movimiento constante del Sol, la Luna y la Tierra en una intrincada danza a través del Espacio.

Comenzamos el mes de octubre con la Luna en fase creciente y cada noche la vemos más iluminada, llegando a la fase de Luna Llena el día 9. Esta luna llena era conocida por las primeras tribus nativas americanas como la Luna del Cazador. En esta época del año las hojas están cayendo y la caza está gorda y lista para cazar. La lluvia de meteoros de las Dracónidas será difícil de ver este año. Es una lluvia débil y alcanza su punto máximo el día 7 con la Luna brillante presente. Tenemos otra lluvia de meteoros hacia el final del mes, las Oriónidas, con un pico el 21/22. Es una lluvia más fuerte y la Luna está presente. Es una lluvia más fuerte y la Luna no está en el cielo nocturno. Esta es la noche para ver algunas estrellas fugaces. Los meteoros saldrán de la constelación de Orión, pero pueden aparecer en cualquier parte del cielo. A partir del día 16 la brillante Luna, en fase gibosa creciente, saldrá después de la medianoche, volviendo de nuevo a los cielos oscuros, podremos apreciar incluso los objetos más débiles y lejanos, ¡como la Galaxia de Andrómeda! Pero este mes no son sólo el Sol, la Luna y las estrellas los que llaman nuestra atención. También hay planetas.

Mercurio es el planeta más cercano al Sol y el más pequeño de nuestro Sistema Solar. Por estas razones no es fácil de observar, pero el 8 de octubre, justo antes de la salida del Sol, hay una oportunidad. El planeta alcanza su mayor elongación occidental de 18 grados desde el Sol, Mercurio en su mayor elongación occidental. Mira hacia abajo en el cielo del este.

Marte comienza el mes saliendo justo antes de la medianoche y al final del mes alrededor de las 21:00 horas. Cuanto más cerca esté el planeta del Sol, mayor será su velocidad. Todo en constante movimiento, un ritmo de la Naturaleza. Será una alegría verlo regresar a nuestras observaciones del cielo nocturno.

Lo más destacado del mes sigue siendo Zeus, el Rey de los dioses, Júpiter y el verdadero Señor de los Anillos, Saturno. Júpiter es fácil de encontrar ya que es el más brillante, pero cómo encontrar a Saturno que está mucho más lejos y es más pequeño que Júpiter. Todos los planetas siguen el camino elíptico, igual que nuestra Luna y nuestro Sol. Encuentra a Júpiter como referencia y Saturno se posicionará por encima y Marte por debajo. La trayectoria no es de Este a Oeste, sino más bien de NE a NO, formando un arco debido a las órbitas oblongas alrededor del Sol.

Venus, el tercer objeto más brillante del cielo después del Sol y la Luna, será difícil de ver durante todo el mes. Saldrá por el cielo oriental cerca del amanecer y se pondrá por el cielo occidental cerca del atardecer.

La Luna Nueva es el día 25 y esta es la mejor noche para observar o fotografiar el oscuro cielo nocturno estrellado. La Vía Láctea sigue presente en el cielo occidental y será espectacular y la última vez que la apreciemos en todo su esplendor, ¡hasta el año que viene! Hay un Eclipse Parcial de Sol el día 25 pero no es visible desde las Islas Canarias.

No te olvides de adelantar tu reloj una hora la noche del 29. Estos movimientos del Sol, la Tierra y la Luna fueron registrados ya por los egipcios e incluso antes, utilizando el movimiento como calendario. ¡Y así nació el Tiempo!

¡Cielos despejados para todos!

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....SEPTEMBER NIGHT SKY 2022..CIELO NOCTURNO SEPTIEMBRE 2022....

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The month of September is a wonderful time to be on the island. The strong winds of Summer begin to subside and we can observe incredible colours during the Sunrises and Sunsets. The brightest arm of the Milky Way is still visible and we have the gas Giants, Jupiter and Saturn visible during our observations. This is an awesome month to be looking up!

We start the month with the Moon in Waxing crescent phase, becoming more illuminated until the Full Moon on the 10th. The Moon is the closest celestial object to Earth and her orbit around Earth and the Sun is an intricate part of life as we know it. With no atmosphere the details of her many craters and even mountain ranges with the telescope are a wonder to observe. There is a good and bad in everything and the glare of the moonlight in the first 2 weeks of September means the Milky Way is not visible during our observations. From the 15th September the Moon is rising late in the evening and we can again appreciate the beauty of the Milky Way and a starry night sky, all the way through till the end of the month, with the New Moon on the 25th.

This year we see the autumnal equinox fall on the 23rd. The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and we start to see the days becoming shorter. Jupiter and Saturn will be the highlights of our observations all month and are visible even with the glare of the Moon. The Milky Way will return after the Full Moon, around the middle of the month.

Clear skies to everyone!

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El mes de septiembre es un momento fabuloso para estar en la isla. Los vientos fuertes del verano empiezan a bajar y podemos observar colores increíbles durante las salidas y puestas del sol. El brazo más brillante de la Vía Láctea es visible todavía durante nuestras observaciones, y también se pueden observar los gigantes de gas, Júpiter y Saturno. ¡Este es un mes impresionante para mirar hacia el cielo!

Empezamos el mes con la Luna en su fase de cuarto creciente, y se pone cada vez más brillante hasta la Luna Llena del día 10. La Luna es el objeto celestial el más cercano de la Tierra y su órbita alrededor de la Tierra y del Sol es una parte compleja de la vida tal como la conocemos. Sin atmósfera, los detalles de sus numerosos cráteres y cadenas de montañas son una maravilla a observar con un telescopio. Hay bueno y malo en todo, y el brillo de la Luna durante las dos primeras semanas de septiembre hace que no se puede ver la Vía Láctea. Desde el día 15 de septiembre, la Luna sale más tarde durante la noche y volvemos a poder observar la belleza de la Vía Láctea y de las noches estrelladas, hasta el final del mes, con la Luna Nueva, el día 25.

Este año, el equinoccio de otoño ocurre el día 23. El Sol brillará directamente sobre el ecuador y tendremos casi el mismo tiempo de día y de noche en el mundo entero. Esto ocurre también el primer día de otoño del hemisferio norte y los días empiezan a acortarse. Júpiter y Saturno serán los protagonistas de nuestras observaciones durante el mes entero, eincluso se pueden observar con el brillo de la Luna. La Vía Láctea vuelve después de la Luna Llena, alrededor de la mitad del mes.

¡Cielos despejados para todos!

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....AUGUST NIGHT SKY 2022..CIELO NOCTURNO DE AGOSTO 2022....

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We start the month of August with the Moon in Waxing Crescent phase. Each successive day finds her belonging more to the night sky as the waxing phases increase the crescent to 1st Quarter, Gibbous and Full Moon, taking about 13 days to complete. The increasing dominance of the Moon means that we lose the Milky Way and the fainter stars of our galaxy.

The Delta Aquarid meteor shower is still present up until the middle of the month but we also have the Perseids meteor shower running from mid July through to 24th August, peaking on the night of the 12th / 13th August. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors so hopefully even with the bright Full Moon we hope that it will still be a decent shower. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

We now have Saturn visible at a decent hour, rising with the darkness. On the 14th the Ringed Planet is at Opposition meaning it is at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. Saturn is a wonder to observe with our telescopes. Jupiter is still rising around midnight at the beginning of the month but by the middle the awesome Planet will be visible in our observations. With our telescopes we can observe the Galilean Moons rapidly orbiting Jupiter.

We finish the month with the New Moon on the 27th and this is the best night to observe and photograph the Milky Way. On this night the Planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 27.3 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.

August is a great month to be looking up! The Milky Way is present, shooting stars, and the Planets. Do keep in mind the Moon phases.

Clear skies to everyone and keep looking up!

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Luna llena, que tarda unos 13 días en completarse. El creciente dominio de la Luna hace que perdamos la Vía Láctea y las estrellas más débiles de nuestra galaxia.

La lluvia de meteoros de las Delta Acuáridas sigue presente hasta mediados de mes, pero también tenemos la lluvia de meteoros de las Perseidas desde mediados de julio hasta el 24 de agosto, con un pico en la noche del 12 al 13 de agosto. Las Perseidas son una de las mejores lluvias de meteoros para observar, ya que producen hasta 60 meteoros por hora en su punto máximo. La produce el cometa Swift-Tuttle, descubierto en 1862. Las Perseidas son famosas por producir un gran número de meteoros brillantes, por lo que esperamos que, incluso con la brillante Luna Llena, siga siendo una lluvia decente. La mejor observación será desde un lugar oscuro después de la medianoche. Los meteoros saldrán de la constelación de Perseo, pero pueden aparecer en cualquier parte del cielo.

Ahora tenemos a Saturno visible a una hora decente, saliendo con la oscuridad. El día 14 el Planeta Anillado está en Oposición, lo que significa que está en su máxima aproximación a la Tierra y su cara estará totalmente iluminada por el Sol. Será más brillante que en cualquier otro momento del año y será visible durante toda la noche. Saturno es una maravilla para observar con nuestros telescopios. Júpiter todavía está saliendo alrededor de la medianoche a principios de mes, pero a mediados el impresionante Planeta será visible en nuestras observaciones. Con nuestros telescopios podemos observar las lunas galileanas que orbitan rápidamente alrededor de Júpiter.

Terminamos el mes con la Luna Nueva del día 27 y esta es la mejor noche para observar y fotografiar la Vía Láctea. Esta noche el planeta Mercurio alcanza su mayor elongación oriental de 27,3 grados respecto al Sol. Este es el mejor momento para ver a Mercurio ya que estará en su punto más alto sobre el horizonte en el cielo nocturno. Busque el planeta bajo en el cielo occidental justo después de la puesta de sol.

Agosto es un gran mes para mirar hacia arriba. La Vía Láctea está presente, las estrellas fugaces y los planetas. Ten en cuenta las fases lunares.

Cielos despejados para todos y sigue mirando hacia arriba.

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….JULY NIGHT SKY 2022..CIELO NOCTURNO DE JULIO 2022….

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Everything in nature follows a cycle, a rhythm, a natural beat! Observing the movement of the celestial objects in the night sky is an awesome way of perceiving those cycles in motion and experiencing nature at its best. The Summer skies have arrived and that means shooting stars, the Milky Way, the Planets and beyond!

We begin the month of July with dark night skies. The Moon, in Waxing Crescent phase and setting in the Western sky is a beauty to behold. Each night “she” becomes more illuminated and each night sets later. On the opposite side of the sky, rising in the East we have the most brilliant Arm of the Milky Way, the Sagittarius Arm. Look for the large constellation of Scorpio and follow the tail to Sagittarius and you will be observing the center of our Galaxy leading, into the Sagittarius Arm. It really is a marvel to observe the Milky Way, slowly losing her brilliance in the Eastern night sky as the Moon becomes more illuminated. The 7th day the Moon is at First Quarter phase and the Milky Way is no longer visible, until after the Full Moon. This month is a SuperMoon and the biggest of the Year! The Moon has an “oblong” orbit around our planet, Earth, so sometimes it is closer and appears larger. It is best to observe the Moon rising to fully appreciate the optical illusion and appearing larger. From the middle of the month till the end we have a dark night sky, with the Moon rising later and in Waning phase. The darkness allows us to observe the Milky Way and distant galaxies once again.

The Summer sky is full of wonderful celestial objects with the Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower starting on the 12th and peaking on the night of the 28th, morning of the 29th.  It is produced by debris left behind  by comet Marsden and Kracht. An average meteor shower, but it peaks with the New Moon so it should be spectacular this year! This meteor shower is present through till mid August.

The Planets of our Solar System are also moving to the rhythm of nature. Saturn, the true “Lord of the Rings” is rising in the Eastern sky just before midnight at the beginning of the month, but by the end of the month this enormous Gas Giant is rising around 21:30. Mercury is visible in the early morning sky from the beginning of the month through to the middle and Venus is visible in the morning sky all month. Look to the Eastern horizon around 6am to try and observe them! It is a beautiful month to be looking up!

Clean Skies to Everyone!

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Todo en la naturaleza sigue un ciclo, un ritmo, un tempo natural. Observar los movimientos de los objetos celestiales en el cielo de noche es una manera estupenda de percibir estos ciclos en movimiento y de aprovechar de lo mejor de la naturaleza. ¡Los cielos de verano ya llegaron y esto conlleva estrellas fugaces, la Vía Láctea, los Planetas y más allá!

Empezamos el mes de julio con cielos oscuros. La Luna, en su fase de cuarto creciente, que se pone en el cielo del Oeste, es una belleza a observar. Cada noche está cada vez más luminosa y cada noche se pone más tarde. En la parte opuesta del cielo, saliendo en el Este, tenemos el Brazo el más brillante de la Vía Láctea, el Brazo de Sagitario. Se tiene que buscar por la grande constelación del Escorpio y seguir la cola hasta el Sagitario y entonces, se podrá observar el centro de la Galaxia que conduce al Brazo de Sagitario. Es maravilloso observar la Vía Láctea, que lentamente pierde su luminosidad en el cielo del este, ya que la Luna se vuelve cada vez más iluminada. El día 7, la Luna está en su fase del Primer Cuarto y la Vía Láctea ya no se puede ver, hasta después de la Luna Llena. ¡Este mes, tenemos una Superluna que es la más grande del año! La órbita de la Luna alrededor de nuestro planeta es de forma oblonga, entonces, a veces, la Luna está más cerca y parece más grande. Es mejor observar la Luna cuando sale para apreciar plenamente esa ilusión óptica cuando parece más grande. Tendremos cielos oscuros desde la mitad del mes hasta el final, con la Luna que sale más tarde en su fase Menguante. Esa oscuridad nos permite observar de nuevo la Vía Láctea y las galaxias distantes.

El cielo de verano es repleto de objetos celestiales maravillosos con la lluvia de meteoros Delta Acuáridas del Sur que empieza el día 12 y alcanza su pico durante la noche del día 28 al 29. Está producida por restos de la cometa Marsden y Kracht. ¡Es una lluvia de meteoros mediana, pero alcanza su pico durante la Nueva Luna, entonces, tendría que ser espectacular este año! Esa lluvia de meteoros estará presente hasta la mitad del mes de agosto.

Los Planetas de nuestro Sistema Solar también se mueven según el ritmo de la naturaleza. Saturno, el verdadero “Señor de los anillos” sale en el cielo del Este justo antes de la media noche al principio del mes, pero al final del mes, ese gigante de gas sale alrededor de las 21:30. Mercurio es visible temprano por la mañana desde el principio del mes hasta la mitad del mes y se podrá ver Venus en el cielo por la mañana durante todo el mes. ¡Mirad hacia el horizonte en el Este a las 6 de la mañana para intentar de observarlos! ¡Es un mes fabuloso para mirar hacia el cielo!

¡Cielos despejados para todos!

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