Canary islands astro 2024
Windows onto the Universe
Canary Islands: Windows onto the Universe
Date to be advised May/June 2024
8 days (7 nights) Early Bird Offer: €x£y
Your chance to join us on a unique twin-centred astro photography tour to Tenerife and La Palma, two of the Canary Islands best night sky locations.
Imagine being able to see the stars in all their glory the way our ancestors did before the Industrial Revolution? There are few places left on Earth, and certainly in Europe, which offer the opportunity to view our Milky Way, the wider cosmos, and deep space objects in their true magnificence, than the Canary Islands. And none more so than Tenerife and La Palma. Read our blog A stellar time in the Canary Islands an astrophotography tour of Tenerife and La Palma for more details. Also see our short promotional video on the night skies of Tenerife and La Palma: Windows Onto The Universe: Astrophotography on Tenerife and La Palma
These sub-tropical volcanic islands lie close to the Equator which provides a perfect view of the skies over the entire Northern Hemisphere and part of the Southern Hemisphere. They also languish in the path of the northeast trade winds which provide fairly stable weather conditions and conjure pillow-soft layers of thin cloud that envelop the lower slopes of the islands, but leave the tops clear above the clouds, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography!
The quality of Tenerife’s night skies has earned it the Starlight Tourism Certification. Mount Teide (the island’s main volcano and Spain’s highest peak) is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site certified as a Starlight Tourist Destination.
The jet-black skies of La Palma make it even better for stargazing than its bigger neighbour, and it became the the world’s first Starlight Reserve in 2012. All of the island is deeply committed to astro-tourism and was one of the first places to implement the 1988 Sky Act, which help to reduce light pollution.
Tenerife is home to one of the first major international observatories. Inaugurated in 1964, it is dedicated to solar activity, and is located at 2,390 metres (7,840ft) and operated by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. La Palma accommodates a wide array of cutting-edge international telescopes built at an altitude of 2,400 metres above sea level on the rim of the Caldera de Taburiente, the eroded remains of a massive ancient shield volcano. This includes the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the largest optical telescope in the world. The observatories on both islands look like something from a sci-fi set, and are extremely photogenic.
Some people might be put off having a go at astro photography, believing it to require the use of lots of expensive specialist equipment. But this workshop will teach you to capture and produce great results with a standard dSLR camera and a fast lens.
Price Exertion Level Participants Location Accommodation We have timed our visit to coincide with a setting moon which will gives a some illumination of foreground objects before the night. Our precise itinerary will be fluid and based on prevailing weather conditions and accessibility. Access permitting, our trip will involve a guided visit to one of the La Palma observatories. We will be bringing a small telescope for observing deep space objects such as nebulae, clusters, and the planets within our solar system. All levels of photography are catered for, from beginners looking for astro photography tuition, to advanced photographers wanting to be guided to the best locations. Our dual bases on will be on La Palma and Tenerife where we will be staying in self-catering accommodation. The workshop includes the ferry crossing between Tenerife and La Palma (and return). • Accommodation; self catering (meals not included) • Full professional photographic tuition throughout the course • Airport/Hotel pick up/drop off as specified • Transport during the workshop • Landscape and Nightscape photography field work tuition tailored to participants' skill level • If schedule permits tuition in Lightroom and Photoshop, according to client's experience • Flights • All meals, snacks and drinks • Travel and camera equipment insurance The trip commences and ends at Tenerife South International Airport. Please arrange to arrive between X to Y on Z May 2024. We will return to Tenerife South International Airport U (* PM) on * May. Our base will be Santa Cruz de La Palma, the main town on La Palma, which has a range of eateries, bars and shops. We will be staying in a contemporary style self catering accommodation. Single room occupancy is guaranteed. On Tenerife we will also be staying in self catering accommodation. The photo tour is limited to only three participants to allow for one-on-one tuition, freedom of movement and sufficient space per person at each location. After arriving at the airport in Tenerife South, we will take the ferry from Los Cristianos to La Palma where we will be based near Santa Cruz de la Palma for 4 nights. We will visit the best spots for astrophotography in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. We will then return on the ferry to Tenerife where we will spend three nights visiting the prime spots for astrophotography and landscape photography in the Teide National Park. We have timed our visit to coincide with the flowering of a species of echium endemic to this area: the brilliant red inflorescence of the tajinaste rojo, colloquially known as ‘tower of jewels’, and many other species of colourful flowers. Our trip will involve a guided visit to one of the La Palma observatories, subject to opening restrictions due to Covid-19. We will be bringing a small telescope for observing deep space objects such as nebulae, clusters, and the planets within our solar system. Our precise itinerary will be fluid and based on prevailing weather conditions, but we will take in prime locations, including: • Roque de los Muchachos • Caldera de Taburiente National Park • The International Observatories • The Infinity Monument • Mount Teide • El Zapitito de la Reina • La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves • Roques de Garcia • Minas de San José • Telescope visit (subject to availability) No prior experience is needed, as training will be given in capturing and processing astro photographs. Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your photography skills, or an advanced photographer wanting to be taken to prime locations, our photo tour is open to all. Our only criteria is that you have a great passion for landscape photography, don't mind braving the elements, and have the energy and motivation to be constantly ‘on the go'! • DSLR camera with full manual mode • Sturdy tripod • A wide angle lens (ideally f/2.8 or faster) • Laptop with Lightroom and Photoshop installed (optional but recommended) The weather in the Canaries is dominated by the Trade Winds; temperatures at sea level in May can be in the early to mid-twenties, but fog and light rain is also possible below 2,000m. We will be undertaking our night photography at altitudes above 2,000 metres, where it can get very chilly when sitting around. You must be well-equipped for warm and sunny daytime weather, potential showers, and chilly nights. We recommend the following: • Sturdy walking boots (the volcanic terrain is rugged and friable underfoot) • Sun hat and sun screen • Down jacket or similar for night time and a waterproof jacket for daytime • Hat and gloves • Flask for a hot drink • Foam mat to sit on, or a small stool • Headtorch with red bulb setting Price Book now to avail of our Early Bird offer! Early bird offer is available until end February 2024. To get this offer pay your deposit now and your balance by the end of February 2024 A deposit of £200 (€250) is required to secure your place. Stage payments of balance by arrangement. Terms and conditions apply, read here Pay deposit €250/£200 Canary Islands Astro Workshop
Early Bird Price €TBA/£TBADeposit €250/£200
This tour involves some uphill hiking over rugged terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is advised. The Roque de los Muchachos is situated 2,423m, and some people might feel the mild effects of altitude (laboured breathing, tiredness, light headedness)
3 Photographers Maximum. Beginners welcome
Canary Islands, Dates May 2024 Duration – TBA
Single occupancy rooms guaranteed
The photo tour is limited to only three participants to allow for freedom of movement and sufficient space per person at each location, and quality one-on-one time with the photography tutor. Workshop Includes
X Workshop Excludes
Meeting Point
Where we will stay
Itinerary
What level of photography is required?
Recommended camera equipment
What clothing/footwear/equipment do I need to bring?
€X/£YEarly bird price €X/£YReserve your tour now using PayPal