The official Dark Sky® Observatory in Cumeada, a village near Reguengos de Monsaraz, is equipped with cutting-edge telescopes for solar and astronomical observations. These provide for a unique visual experience, from observing the planets to looking at the craters on the moon, moving on to the deeper sky with a cosmic journey among the nebulae, the galaxies and the swarms of stars which rise above us in one of the finest skies in the world. The wide open spaces around Alqueva also offer a wide variety of activities which supplement the pleasures of observing the skies – experiencing an incredible variety of sensations and tastes, such as relaxing at sunset as you enjoy a cocktail or taking part in a blind wine-tasting by starlight. Outdoors, surrounded by nature, you can go walking, enjoy horseback excursions by moonlight, or participate in astrophotography workshops, whether you are already passionate about it, or a beginner, or someone more experienced.
Official Observatory of Dark Sky Alqueva
From Tuesday to Saturday, with previous booking, taking into account the phases of the Moon and the month of the year for the kind of observation intended, the weather conditions and the observatory availability on the date and time proposed.
We begin with a guided journey of the Dark Sky Reserve astrophotography exhibition. After, outside of the Observatory the celestial sphere is explored with the unaided eye, mixed with observations using binoculars and high quality telescopes.
Held from Tuesday to Saturday, with previous booking, taking into account the weather conditions and the observatory availability on the date and time proposed.
Our star, the Sun, is presented in our room in a simple way and related to other stars visible at night. This is followed by the Solar observation in the Observatory, with the use of completely safe telescopes and specifically designed for solar observation!
The Headquarters and Official Observatory of Dark Sky®, located in Cumeada, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, is a historical building about 50 years old, and one of the old primary schools of the so-called “new state”. Totally remodeled in 2015, it was thus adapted specifically to receive the Headquarters and Official Observatory of Dark Sky Alqueva.
Inside, you can visit the permanent astrophotography exhibit by our international astrophotographer, Miguel Claro, and visit our growing mini-museum, where you can touch a real meteorite or see the original autograph of the last astronaut to go to the moon. Guided tours are included in the observation sessions.
The Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory provides observation activities for hotels and private or enterprise events. If you would like to include one observation activity in your event, contact us. We can develop solar observation and night stargazing activities, with portable telescopes and guided by the astronomers from Dark Sky® Alqueva team. For more informations, please fill the form and we will contact you.
