The Gran Telescopio Canarias joins the first European planetary defence mission
A mission to protect the Earth
What if, one day, an asteroid decided to disrupt our daily routine from space? Don’t worry—there’s no immediate danger, but there’s an exciting reason to look up. Europe has launched its first planetary defence mission, and the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, plays a leading role.
The project is called HERA, part of the European Space Agency (ESA) programme. Its goal: to study the outcome of the previous DART mission, in which a spacecraft impacted the asteroid Dimorphos to alter its orbit.
Now, with HERA, scientists aim to analyse the effects of that impact, understand how the asteroid responded, and learn more about our ability to protect planet Earth.
The role of the Gran Telescopio Canarias
From its privileged location on La Palma, the GTC—the world’s largest optical-infrared telescope—observes the Didymos–Dimorphos system with unparalleled precision. With its 10.4-metre mirror, the GTC studies the light reflected by the asteroid’s fragments to reveal their composition, density, and behaviour after the collision.
All of this is possible thanks to the exceptional conditions of the sky above the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, where the atmosphere is so clean and dark that it allows astronomers to capture details impossible elsewhere.
From this corner of the Atlantic, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) leads a research effort that combines technology, science, and vision for the future.
La Palma: science, stars, and sustainable tourism
The success of the GTC would not be possible without the protection of the night sky of La Palma, certified as a Starlight Tourist Destination for its exceptional astronomical quality. Here, star observation not only drives science but also promotes astrotourism—a sustainable way to connect with nature and the universe.
Visiting the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is an unforgettable experience.
During the guided tour you can:
- Discover some of Europe’s most powerful telescopes.
- Learn how astronomers study asteroids and distant galaxies.
- Understand how the night sky is protected and explored.
Book your visit to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory and experience firsthand the work of IAC astronomers.
✨Stargaze with us
When night falls, the sky over La Palma becomes a natural spectacle.
At AstroLaPalma, we invite you to join our guided stargazing sessions, perfect for all audiences.
With our portable telescopes and certified Starlight explanations, you’ll learn to identify constellations, observe planets, and feel the wonder of looking at the same stars studied by scientists.
⭐ Book your stargazing experience
and discover why La Palma is truly the island of the stars.
Keywords: Gran Telescopio Canarias, Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, planetary defence mission, European Space Agency, HERA mission, stargazing La Palma, astronomy tours, Starlight Destination, sustainable tourism