Watch the Geminids Meteor Shower between December 14 and 17 in the Canary Islands, and the asteroids will fall like fireworks on those who see them from the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands may be famous for its endless beaches and monumental mountains, but did you know the archipelago is home to three UNESCO Starlight Reserves and three astronomical observatories that can be enjoyed all year round. The Canary Islands is recognised to have one of the clearest skies on the planet, as well as the clearest in Spain and Europe making it the perfect destination for stargazing.
The Geminds Meteor Shower will take place between the 14-17th of December 2022, and the asteroids are set to fall like fireworks on those who enjoy this stellar event across the islands of La Palma, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera, Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
Compared to other more polluted areas and cities across the world, where only about 500 stars can be seen, in the so-called Fortunate Islands, stargazers can enjoy about 15,000 visible stars any night of the year!
The Canary Islands are home to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, as the islands have been recognised as the ideal place for scientists from all over the world to perform cosmic studies and experiments in astrophysics thanks to the clarity of their protected sky.
La Palma was one of the first places in the world to apply the Sky Law. This piece of legislation was approved by the Spanish Government in 1988 with the aim of protecting the quality of the night sky for astrophysical observations. It also controls radio, light and atmospheric pollution and regulates air routes so that nothing interferes with the observation of the stars. This is the reason why the island known as Isla Bonita was the first to achieve the international UNESCO Starlight Certification system.
Where to See the Stars in Gran Canaria
At the Pico de las Nieves viewpoint, the Llanos del Garañón or the Roque Saucillo Astronomical Center, located in the urban area of Vega de San Mateo. Another of the main observation points is the Astronomical Observatory of Las Temisas, located in the mu-nicipality of Agüimes, from where one of the best views of the southeastern part of the island can be obtained. In the municipality of Aldea de San Nicolás, the Astronomical Observatory of Tasartico is located on the western slope of the island, among its in-credible ravines.
Where to See the Stars in Tenerife
The mountains of Guajara. With an altitude of 2,715 meters at its highest point, they are a key historical landmark. The first observations of Halley’s comet were made there in 1910. After a nice hike you reach the sky with the panoramic views of the Teide.
Izaña is a key point for scientific observation; the Astrophysical Institute of the Canary Islands and the main telescopes of the island is at more than two thousand meters.
You can enjoy the stars with amazing panoramic views in La Orotava, on the way up and in the area of the ascent to El Teide. The La Ruleta viewpoint is a great place to find parking and set up your telescope in peace and quiet. Many companies take advantage of the opportunity to start their activities in front of the Roques de García.
Where to See the Stars in La Palma
At the Astronomical Observatory of the IAC, in the Roque de los Muchachos, because, though there are no guided night visits to the interior, its height guarantees always being able to see them in their surroundings.
There are more than sixteen natural balconies marked on the map of La Palma, so you can see only one or several or all of them. The viewpoints of El Paso, Tijarafe, Puntagorda and Garafía stand out.
In any case, looking at the sky in La Palma is always, at the very least, surprising, since with the naked eye it seems that it’s almost possible to touch it with your fingertips from a rural house.
Where to See the Stars in Fuerteventura
In the Mirador de Sicasumbre, in the municipality of Pájara; or also in the Mirador de Morro Velosa, located in the municipality of Betancuria, on the Tegú mountain, with an altitude of almost 670 meters. Its 3 astronomical observatories are also a must. Also noteworthy is the astronomical observatory of Tefía, near the village of Tefía. This is also the observation dome and telescope of the Agrupación Astronómica de Fuerteventura.
Where to See the Stars in El Hierro
At the Orchilla Lighthouse, in El Pinar; at the Jinama Viewpoint, located in Nisdafe, also in El Pinar; and at the Isora Viewpoint, in Valverde.
Where to See the Stars in La Gomera
In the Alto de Garajonay, in Garajonay National Park, in Vallehermoso; in Chipude For-tress, also in Vallehermoso and in the Mirador del Santo, located in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey in the Arure area. Also in the Mirador de los Roques, in Agulo, and in its deserted beaches such as Playa de Enmedio, which is accessed by Plata de Santiago, in Alajeró.
Where to See the Stars in Lanzarote
At the Mirador de El Chache, in Haría; La Geria, located at the foot of Timanfa Mountain and at the esplanade of the Castillo de San Gabriel, in Arrecife.
Where to See the Stars La Graciosa
In the secluded Playa de Las Conchas, north of La Graciosa, and along the road to it from Caleta de Sebo.