Tourists were able to spend an interstellar night in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan thanks to a newly installed astronomical observatory that provides close-up view of some parts of our solar system.
The telescope, located at the astronomical observatory in Wadi Rum, is linked to a GPS satellite positioning system that enables visitors to see and recognize stars and planets such as Mars and Jupiter.
The astronomical guide at the observatory, Fakhri Alami, said that his main goal is to restore the link between people and nature and divert their eyes from the screens of their phones, even for a short period.
The Bedouin, who live in Wadi Rum, have been using stars to determine their course of action for thousands of years. They rely on the North Star and other stars to find their way through the vast desert. But with technological advances, many say that younger generations no longer recognize the importance of stars and sky.
Another goal of the astronomical observatory is to attract more tourists to Wadi Rum and provide more activities for them while they are in the area.
Since the inauguration of the observatory last November, about 4,000 people have visited it. The cost of visiting the Observatory with an introductory session and a star-watching experience is estimated at $ 25.