The alignment of Jupiter and Saturn with Earth will reach its peak on December 21
These days, the scientific community, curious people and astronomy fans are watching the sky every night.
They do not want to miss what has been called (erroneously) the
Star of Bethlehem
(a name associated with the Christian tradition, because it is believed that it was the one that guided the Magi to the portal of Bethlehem to worship the Child Jesus).
However, "it is not a star, but rather
the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
, two planets that shine a lot and that at this time can be easily seen almost together", clarifies Elvira Díaz, head of activities at the Tiedra Observation Center ( Valladolid).
The phenomenon is
an event that only occurs every 800 years:
the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn with the Earth will
reach its closest point on Monday, December 21
and will cease to be seen before New Year's Eve (it can already be seen for a few days to both planets more and more together).
Observing them with the naked eye (without telescopes) will be easy,
looking to the southwest just after sunset, as long as there are no clouds and you are in a place with low light pollution.
"
The best time to identify the phenomenon is between 6.30 pm and 8 pm
", says Díaz.
The conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter.Shutterstock.
And what is the best place?
Spain has quite a few
spaces that have an excellent sky quality
, that represent an example of protection and conservation and that have the maximum accreditation of the Starlight Foundation.
Not surprisingly, most of them host the most important (public or private) observatories in Spain.
We visit
10 spectacular places
to enjoy this astronomical event and a slightly more unusual one.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park (La Palma)
This protected natural wonder of volcanic origin on the Canary Island is one of the best places on the planet to observe the sky.
So much so that it has become a claim for star lovers.
The highest point is at
the summit of Roque de los Muchachos, where the Observatory
of the same name
is located
, at an altitude of 2,396 m and with one of the most advanced telescopes in the world.
Visits to the center are closed due to sanitary restrictions but access to the Park is free.
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma).
Teide National Park
We continue in the Canary Islands and in this National Park, declared a World Heritage Site.
The Teide sky, along with those of Chile and Hawaii, is one of the best in the world for astronomical observation
, both during the day and at night.
In it is the Las Cañadas Observatory (visits are suspended) but guided night excursions are organized around the environment for one hour with the sole objective of enjoying the stars (from 35 euros).
Access to the Park is free and you can go up to the summit of the volcano (3,555 m) by cable car (until 5:00 p.m.).
More information here.
The firmament from El Teide (Tenerife).
Tiedra (Valladolid)
The clarity of the Castilian sky in the tiny medieval town of Valladolid 30 km from Tordesillas is perfect for observing the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter well sheltered (if it is not cloudy).
The quality of the sky is so good that on the outskirts of town the important Astronomical Center is located, a space that has a planetarium, an outdoor agora and two observatories with telescopes, which makes it the only one in Castilla y León with these characteristics.
Tiedra Observatory (Valladolid).
Sierra de Gredos National Park (Ávila)
Aware that the environment of the Sierra de Gredos, recognized with the Starlight Destination certificate, has magnificent conditions for astronomical observation and astrophotography, the Provincial Council of Ávila has established
a network of stellar viewpoints to facilitate observation
.
These natural balconies (with panels, observation platforms, elementary astronomical information, parking and accessible for people with reduced mobility) are located in the towns of San Martín del Pimpollar, Navarredonda de Gredos, Hoyos del Espino, Navalperal de Tormes, Santiago de Tormes , Zapardiel de la Ribera, Navatejares, Puerto Castilla, Umbrías and Nava del Barco.
The Puebla de Almoradiel (Toledo)
In the heart of La Mancha Toledo, in the middle of the Don Quixote Route, the municipality of La Puebla de Almoradiel is a place that surprises with the quality of the night sky.
In fact, anywhere in the La Mancha plain, far from the urban centers that comprise it, you can stop the car to observe the sky.
It is no coincidence that the La Hita Astronomical Complex is installed there.
If you prefer to have a guided experience, the institution organizes various evening activities (from 20 euros; www.fundacionastrohita.org).
Sierra del Montsec (Lleida)
The sky of this beautiful natural setting is free from light pollution, according to the Starlight Foundation, which makes it
one of the best Star Reserves in Spain
.
There the Montsec Astronomical Park is located, which organizes nightly guided activities.
If you prefer to look at the space on your own, you can do so after having visited emblematic monumental sites in the Sierra, such as the Castillo de Llordá, the monumental complex of Mur or the Monastery of Santa María de Gualter.
The Palm.
Monfragüe National Park (Cáceres)
Besides being one of the best places in Spain for bird watching, it is an unavoidable destination for lovers of Astronomy (Starlight certificate).
The Park houses the Torrejón el Rubio Astronomical Observatory, but, without a doubt,
a unique point to enjoy the sky is the Monfragüe Castle viewpoint
, a ruined fortress dating from the 9th century.
Roncal Valley (Navarra)
The beautiful Roncal Valley, at the foot of the Pyrenees, is also ideal for its clear skies for stargazing.
It can be seen on the outskirts of any of the charming towns that dot the valley (Roncal, Burgui, Vidángoz, Urzainqui, Uztárrol ...).
Sierra Morena (Jaén, Córdoba, Seville and Huelva)
This Andalusian mountain range that extends for more than 400 km is a paradise for fans of astrotourism.
Recognized as the Reserve and the largest Starlight Tourist Destination in the world, it has an extensive network of viewpoints equipped and accommodation for the enjoyment of the stars, as well as guided and specialized routes (more information here).
Calar Alto Observatory (Almería).
Sierra de Los Filabres (Almería)
In addition to active tourism, thanks to the many trails that make hikers happy, this mountain range in the province of Almería above the Tabernas desert is famous for its clean and lightly polluted skies.
After enjoying the sunset in any of its places, the night is filled with stars that flood the environment.
On one of the peaks, 2,200 meters above sea level, the Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory is located.
... Youtube
For those who do not want (or cannot) leave home, they will have the possibility of watching the extraordinary phenomenon in real time in streaming and for free.
On Monday, December 21, from 6:30 p.m., the YouTube channel of the Federation of Astronomical Associations of Spain will broadcast the phenomenon
with simultaneous connections to different Spanish observatories
.
Many of them will also do it through their web pages (more information, here).
For its part, the astronomical group of Ciudad Rodrigo, Astróbriga, will broadcast a video signal from a telescope in real time, which will be accompanied by an explanation of what is happening.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
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