Stargazing in El Hierro: the sky clean of Europe

The stargazing in El Hierro it is one of the experiences most magical and enriching it can be to live in the archipelago. Thanks to its clear skies, low light pollution and the altitude, the islands offer excellent conditions for astronomy. Either with a telescope or with the naked eye, the night show in El Hierro is impressive and accessible for all types of travellers.

Why El Hierro is ideal for the astroturismo?

The archipelago is one of the best places in the world to observe the sky. These are some of the reasons why it's become an international reference for:

• Heaven protected by law: the Law of the Heaven of El Hierro regulates the light pollution and guarantee the quality of the firmament.
• Atmospheric conditions are exceptional: thermal stability, low moisture and low cloudiness.
• Altitude perfect: many observation points lie above 2,000 metres.
• International recognition: several islands have certifications Starlight by UNESCO.

Best places to see stars in El Hierro

Each island offers privileged places to enjoy the starry sky, but there are some points especially recommended:

• La Palma: the Roque de los Muchachos is home to one of the most important astrophysical observatories in the world.
• Tenerife: the Teide National Park offers viewpoints and guided tours to see constellations from the heights.
• Gran Canaria: the Pico de las Nieves and Artenara areas are ideal for astronomical observation.
• Fuerteventura: declared a Starlight Reserve, with excellent points in Betancuria, or the Badlands of the Sand.
• Lanzarote: clear skies and nooks and little villages such as the Natural Park of The Volcanoes.

What can you observe?

El Hierro offers clear visibility of many astronomical phenomena throughout the year:

• Constellations and Milky Way: perfectly visible to the naked eye on moonless nights.
• Rain of stars: as the Perseids (August) or the Geminids (December).
• Planets and satellites: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars can be seen with clarity.
• Special events: eclipses, conjunctions, and transit of celestial bodies.

Activities related to astronomy

• Routes astronomical guided: night excursions with telescopes and explanations specialized.
• Observatories: as the IAC (Instituto de Astrofísica de El Hierro) in La Palma and Tenerife.
• Workshops and lectures: activities to learn about astronomy in interpretation centers, and local events.
• Night photography: sessions of astrophotography in strategic locations with clear skies and compositions spectacular.

Tips to enjoy a starry night

• Get away from the urban areas to prevent light pollution.
• Query the lunar calendar: the moonless nights are ideal to see more stars.
• Dress up with warm clothes if you're in the highlands, even in the summer.
• Used mobile applications, or maps of the sky to identify constellations.
• If you use a flashlight, which is light red in order not to lose the adaptation to darkness.

El Hierro, a window to the universe

The stargazing in El Hierro it is an experience that mixes science, emotion and connection with the cosmos. From the silence of the mountain to the vastness of the night sky, every night in the islands offers a unique natural spectacle. Ideal for couples, families, amateur or professional astronomers, the heaven of El Hierro always has something amazing to show you.