Linea Directa 200 LEFT COL CAR INSURANCE

PROPERTY SEARCH

ARCHIVED - Blood moon eclipse and meteor shower visible from Spain this weekend

ARCHIVED ARTICLE -

The best view of the lunar spectacle will be from parts of eastern Spain like Murcia and the Balearic Islands

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Blood moon eclipse and meteor shower visible from Spain this weekend

Friday May 5 is one of the most anticipated dates for astronomy lovers this year, a so-called ‘supernight’ that combines two stellar spectacles: a striking blood moon eclipse and the peak of the eta aquarid meteor shower.

The eerie lunar eclipse will be clearly visible from Spain, as will the raining stars, but the best vantage points will be in the Balearic Islands and along the east coast. The eclipse will reach its zenith at around 9pm.

A blood moon gets its name from the intense red glow created during a lunar eclipse. According to NASA, during this event, the sun, moon and the Earth align, casting the moon into this planet’s shadow.

“When this happens, the only light that reaches the Moon's surface is from the edges of the Earth's atmosphere. The air molecules from Earth's atmosphere scatter out most of the blue light. The remaining light reflects onto the Moon's surface with a red glow”, the NASA experts explain, making the Moon appear blood red in the night sky.

"It's as if all the world's sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon."

As a bonus, the eta aquarids meteor shower, which will continue to grace Spanish skies until May 28, should have maximum visibility this weekend.

The best way to view both celestial events is far away from the glare of streetlights, but the eclipse can also be watched through a live stream.

For a completely immersive experience, it’s impossible to beat the private sky observations and group activities of the Astronomy Tour at the Finca Astronomica in the Campo de Cartagena in Murcia.

Using optical telescopes (the ones where you literally see the objects with your own eye via the telescope) at Finca Astronomica, you can see the Moon, the planets of the Solar System including details such as the rings around Saturn, the Great Red Spot of Jupiter and even the moons of Jupiter, plus the difference between different stars (for example whether they are young or old), nebulas like The Great Nebula of Orion and much more!

Contact the Finca Astronomica to visit for a daytime or nighttime Astronomy Tour, or book one of their cruises under the stars.

Image: NASA

Linea Directa Bottom Article A-L CAR INSURANCE

Address

Casas del Puente 3, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain, 30397

Tel: +34 623 140 902

View Website

View Google Map

Facebook

The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages

Astronomy Tours stargazing and astronomical activities in Murcia

Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.

Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.

At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.

The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.

By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.

To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with Astronomy Tours stargazing and astronomical activities in Murcia

schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.

As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.

The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.

What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.

This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.

But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.

This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.

Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.