In the middle of Alentejo, Dark Sky Alqueva, the first reserve in the world to receive the certification of Starlight Tourism DestinationIt is noteworthy for its unmissable demonstration of the sky.
Located in the middle of a protected area, which begins to be felt even km before with the clear lack of artificial light, this planetarium allows you to view perhaps one of the clearest skies in Portugal, extending over about 3000 square kilometers.
The booking for this experience should be made in advance, not least because there are different sessions held in different languages. With a restricted number of sessions per day, and with the experience having no more than about ten people, it is best to contact the company in charge and make a reservation.
In our case, we booked through the form on the project's website (here.) and we quickly got a response. O price (in June/2021) was 20€, but since then it has changed and is different depending on the month of the year, so we recommend checking the price on the site.
The session has a duration of approximately 1 hour, and is done through direct demonstration of the sky and through a telescope. If conditions are not the most favorable, the visualization is done through a simulation.
Entre a informação observada é indicada e observada a via láctea, a lua, as diferentes constelações (e as explicações associadas), a estrela do norte e muitas outras estrelas e conjuntos de estrelas que se destacam. Adicionalmente, e ainda mais impressionante, vemos processos (como a morte de uma estrela) e os planetas visíveis. Tudo isto é primeiramente indicado através de uma lanterna própria com grande alcance e, posteriormente, demonstrado através do telescópio.
In the process we are asked questions that test our knowledge about the various celestial bodies and even demystify some ideas we have associated with them.
Additionally, there is a video and a small exhibition inside the planetarium facilities. In this small exhibit there is also an astronaut suit.
Besides this activity, Dark Sky Alqueva offers other experiences, such as solar observation. However, this was the only one we had the opportunity to try - which we recommend for everyone who looks at the sky and feels curiosity.
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