Official Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory
This voucher offers the opportunity to take part in two unique astronomical experiences at the Official Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory, located in the village of Cumeada, in the heart of the Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve, one of the regions with the darkest and most well-preserved night skies in Europe.
Stargazing Session
The Stargazing Session lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and is led by an Official Dark Sky® Guide, offering an interpretative journey through the starry sky.
The experience begins with a brief introduction to the sky visible that night, followed by observation through high-quality optical telescopes, allowing participants to explore some of the most fascinating objects in the universe.
Depending on the time of year and sky conditions, participants may observe:
This experience combines science, contemplation and astronomical interpretation, allowing participants to discover the depth and beauty of the universe beneath one of Europe’s darkest skies.
Solar Observation
The Solar Observation session invites participants to explore, in a pedagogical and scientifically rigorous way, the star that makes life on Earth possible: the Sun.
The activity begins with a brief presentation about the structure, functioning and evolution of our star, establishing the connection between the Sun and the other stars we observe in the night sky.
This is followed by direct observation using telescopes specially designed for safe solar observation, allowing different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere to be explored.
During the session it is possible to observe:
The observation is complemented by specialised imaging equipment, allowing solar structures to be viewed in greater detail.
Important Information
Sessions take place from Tuesday to Saturday, by prior booking only, and are subject to weather conditions and observatory schedule availability.
Session times are determined according to several astronomical factors, including the phase of the Moon, the celestial objects visible at that time, and sky conditions.
Dark Sky® Alqueva
Discover the universe through one of the darkest skies in Europe.
