Stargazing in El Paso

The old moon in the arms of the new, Virgen del Pino, El Paso, La Palma
April 21, 2015

On Monday and Tuesday I showed a journalist around for the Tourist Board. On Monday night we went stargazing with Astrolapalma. I loved it. Agustín was very enthusiastic, and now I understand why people enjoy my enthusiasm so much. We started off just after sunset, and we had a lovely view of the old moon in the arms of the new. That’s the poetic name for when you can see…

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Solar Eclipse Nov 3rd UPDATE

Eclipse path
October 27, 2013

  UPDATE: There are two places where you’ll be able to observe the eclipse safely. Astrolapalma will hold a free event at Llano de las Brujas from 10:30-1:30 pm, and Astrotour will hold an event costing 2€ per person at the ecological banana plantation EcoFinca Platanologico from 11 am – 1 pm. Do NOT look directly at the sun. You might go blind. On November 3rd 2013 there will be…

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Partial lunar eclipse

Multiple exposure of the partial lunar eclipse, 25/04/13Photo: Ana Garcia
April 27, 2013

  Partial Lunar eclipses are quite common. Photos like this aren’t. It was taken by Ana Garcia of AstroLaPalma.com, who offer observations (tours or private), telescope rental, the  “Los Indianos” tour in Santa Cruz de La Palma and tailored astronomy travel packages.

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Goodbye, Neil Armstrong

I was 7 years old when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon. My parents were always strict about bedtime, especially when I had to go to school in the morning. This was the only exception that I can remember. Mum got us up at about 2 am to watch the landing live, and I’ve very grateful to her. “That’s one small step for a man, one giant…

August 26, 2012
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The moon, Jupiter and Venus

Jupiter, the moon and Venus photographed from La Venta viewpoint, La Palma
July 15, 2012

  This morning, the moon, Jupiter and Venus lay close together in the east. This photo was taken with a compact camera from Llano de La Venta viewpoint, one of the astronomical viewpoints on La Palma.

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The Moon and Venus

  I’m glad I woke up early today. These were taken from my balcony in Breña Baja at 6:30 am. For the top one I used a compact camera (Canan SX220) and tripod. For the bottom one, a Pentax DSLR (K 10D) and tripod. On La Palma, you can get results like this with very modest equipment and skill.

June 17, 2012
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