The New Instruments at the Gran Telescopio Canarias: How FRIDA, GTCAO, HYPERCAM and GRANCAIN Are Transforming Astronomy from La Palma A new era for the world’s largest telescope in its class The Gran Telescopio Canarias
AstroLaPalma and La Palma as a Global Astrotourism Reference Some news stories go beyond numbers. AstroLaPalma has been featured on national television following its inclusion among the world’s leading astrotourism companies, according to a major international market report on astronomical tourism. I▶️ Video: AstroLaPalma featured on the news. TVC on 21/12/2025 An international recognition with La Palma at its heart The Stargazing Tourism Market Research Report 2033 highlights AstroLaPalma as one of the most relevant operators in the global astrotourism market. This recognition is not only about a single company. It places the spotlight on La Palma’s protected night sky, showing how science, sustainability and tourism can successfully work together. Why astrotourism is growing worldwide As shown in the video, travelers are increasingly looking for: Meaningful and authentic experiences Opportunities to learn and understand nature Destinations that protect their natural environment Astronomical tourism brings all these elements together. With one of the darkest and most protected skies in the world, La Palma has naturally become a leading destination. 14 years sharing the sky from La Palma Founded in 2011, AstroLaPalma has spent 14 years developing astrotourism experiences in La Palma, always combining scientific accuracy, education and respect for nature. Led by astrophysicist and science communicator Ana García, the company has played an active role in positioning the island as a global reference for astronomical tourism. Guided experiences under one of the world’s best skies The international report highlights guided experiences as the most in-demand segment of astrotourism—and the video shows exactly why. AstroLaPalma offers: Guided stargazing experiences Night sky interpretation walks Astrophotography workshops Visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory Educational and outreach programs All activities are designed for the general public, combining accessibility with scientific rigor. A recognition built on a long-term trajectory This media appearance adds to
AstroLaPalma and La Palma as a Global Astrotourism Reference Some news stories go beyond numbers. AstroLaPalma has been featured on national television following its inclusion among the world’s leading astrotourism companies, according to a major
⭐ Christmas Gifts with Stars: Surprise Your Loved Ones with AstroLaPalma Gift Vouchers and Our Astronomy Shop If you are looking for a Christmas gift that is original, memorable and truly magical, AstroLaPalma has everything you need. This year, give the gift of stargazing experiences under one of the best skies in the world: La Palma, an island certified as a Starlight Reserve. Our gift vouchers are the perfect option for anyone who wants to enjoy something unique, inspiring and unforgettable… and you can personalise them with special items from our astronomy shop. At LaPalmaStars.com you’ll find gift vouchers for our most popular experiences: VIP stargazing tours, activities for couples, families or groups, and daytime visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. Each gift voucher can be sent by email, printed at home or delivered in a gift box. It’s the ideal way to surprise someone with an unforgettable night under a sky full of stars. If you want to make your gift even more special, you can add one of the astronomy accessories from our shop. Choose from a planisphere — perfect for learning how to navigate the night sky — to astronomy books, constellation keychains, planet-themed details and beautiful pieces of sterling silver jewellery inspired by the universe. They are the perfect complement to your gift voucher, turning it into a truly unique present. We also have official Gran Telescopio Canarias merchandise: T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, caps and tote bags. Giving astronomy is giving emotion, science, nature and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This Christmas, choose a gift that truly shines. Choose AstroLaPalma and let our stars do the rest. Visit LaPalmaStars.com, explore our activities and discover our special collection of astronomical gifts. Make this holiday season cosmic!
⭐ Christmas Gifts with Stars: Surprise Your Loved Ones with AstroLaPalma Gift Vouchers and Our Astronomy Shop If you are looking for a Christmas gift that is original, memorable and truly magical, AstroLaPalma has everything
The Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026 in Spain: What Will We See from La Palma? August 12, 2026 will be a date to remember in Spanish astronomy. Across the northern peninsula and the Balearic Islands, the event will be a total solar eclipse, while from the Canary Islands — and of course, from La Palma — we won’t reach totality. However, it will still be a remarkable partial eclipse, offering an impressive celestial show. That same night will also coincide with the Perseid meteor shower’s peak, making it not just an eclipse to remember, but an entire night of cosmic wonder. General Data about the Eclipse Date: August 12, 2026 Main Type: Total solar eclipse — the path of totality will cross northern Spain, the Balearic Islands, and other parts of Europe. Visibility in the Canary Islands (and La Palma): Partial — totality will not be visible from the archipelago. Estimated Partial Magnitude (Gran Canaria reference): ~0.75, meaning around 75% of the Sun’s apparent diameter will be covered. Maximum Moment (mainland Spain): Around 20:26–20:30 local time (CEST). Sun’s Altitude: Low above the western horizon at maximum, so a clear line of sight to the west will be essential. What Will Be Visible from La Palma Although the exact value for La Palma may vary slightly as models are refined, projections already suggest the following: We will see a partial eclipse: a large portion of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. Depending on the local magnitude, between 60% and 80% of the solar disk could be obscured — a strong partial eclipse, based on nearby island data and trajectory models. More info here. As the partial phase progresses, daylight will dim slightly — like an “extra sunset.” Shadows will sharpen, and the landscape will be bathed in
The Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026 in Spain: What Will We See from La Palma? August 12, 2026 will be a date to remember in Spanish astronomy. Across the northern peninsula and the Balearic
AstroLaPalma ranks among the world’s leading astrotourism companies, according to the international report Stargazing Tourism Market Research Report 2033 by Growth Market Reports “We have very good news. This kind of recognition does not happen every day. We will keep working so that every time you visit La Palma you can take a little piece of its starry sky back home with you.” AstroLaPalma (LaPalmastars.com), a pioneering company in astronomical tourism in Spain and based on the island of La Palma (Canary Islands), consolidates its position as one of the most relevant and sought-after astrotourism operators worldwide, according to the international report Stargazing Tourism Market Research Report 2033. The study is produced by the specialized consultancy Growth Market Reports, a firm that provides market analysis to global companies such as Microsoft, Deloitte, Siemens Healthcare, Nestlé SA and Dassault Aviation. The report, prepared by a team of senior analysts in the tourism and scientific sectors, offers a detailed overview of the growth of the global astrotourism market, which reached 1.42 billion US dollars in 2024 and projects an accelerated annual growth rate of 8.1% to reach 2.75 billion US dollars by 2033. It is one of the most rigorous international studies on the sector, with more than 275 pages, 266 tables and figures, and segmented analysis by region, age group, booking channel and tour type, including stargazing tours, observatory visits and dark-sky travel. AstroLaPalma: 14 years of leadership in a growing astrotourism market In this global context of sustained growth, AstroLaPalma —founded in 2011 by Ana García, one of the most experienced professionals in the sector in Spain— stands out as one of the companies with the longest track record and strongest international recognition in astrotourism in La Palma. García is the only Spanish professional with direct experience in the two
AstroLaPalma ranks among the world’s leading astrotourism companies, according to the international report Stargazing Tourism Market Research Report 2033 by Growth Market Reports “We have very good news. This kind of recognition does not happen
Orion Returns: The Hunter of the Winter Sky As November nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, a familiar figure rises again in the eastern sky: Orion the Hunter. For astronomers and dreamers alike, his return marks the beginning of winter and a new season of stargazing under the crystal-clear skies of the Canary Islands. The Story of Orion In Greek mythology, Orion was a giant hunter, said to walk across the sea. His story intertwines with Artemis and the Pleiades, and in the end, the gods placed him among the stars so he could hunt eternally in the heavens, facing the bull Taurus. Other cultures also honored him: for the ancient Egyptians, Orion represented the god Osiris; for the Maya, his Belt traced the path of time and the rhythm of the harvests. How to Find Orion Finding Orion is easy, even for beginners. Look toward the east after sunset in November and December and search for three bright stars in a straight line: Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka. They form the famous Orion’s Belt. From there, the rest of the constellation unfolds clearly: Below the Belt lies Orion’s Sword, where the Orion Nebula (M42) glows—a faint, misty cloud visible even to the naked eye. On Orion’s left shoulder shines Betelgeuse, a massive red supergiant nearing the end of its life. At his opposite foot sparkles Rigel, a brilliant blue-white star—one of the most luminous in the sky. The contrast between Betelgeuse and Rigel is one of the most striking sights in the winter sky: one burns red, the other glows icy blue. Seeing colors at night is difficult—almost impossible without a camera—but these two stars are an exception; you’ll notice their hues immediately. ☁️ The Orion Nebula: A Stellar Nursery Just below Orion’s Belt lies one of
Orion Returns: The Hunter of the Winter Sky As November nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, a familiar figure rises again in the eastern sky: Orion the Hunter. For astronomers and dreamers alike,
A Great Night for Hunting Gamma-Ray Bursts A Cosmic Night: February 5, 2025 The night of February 5, 2025 will be remembered as one of those extraordinary moments in the history of astronomy. The Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, took part in an exceptional observation: the hunt for a gamma-ray burst—one of the most powerful and energetic phenomena in the universe. It appeared on the news, titled “A Great Night for Hunting Gamma-Ray Bursts” and it was published on the official GTC website (www.gtc.iac.es). The description of how several telescopes around the world, including those on La Palma, coordinated efforts to follow this fleeting and fascinating cosmic event is memorable. ⚡ What Are Gamma-Ray Bursts? Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are colossal explosions of energy that occur when massive stars reach the end of their lives or when two neutron stars collide. In just a few seconds, a GRB can release more energy than the Sun will emit over its entire lifetime. First comes a brief flash of gamma rays, followed by a residual glow—the so-called afterglow—that can last for hours or even days, observed in visible and infrared wavelengths. Detecting and studying these events requires perfect international coordination: satellites detect the initial burst and immediately alert ground-based telescopes, which must respond within minutes to capture the light before it fades away. The Role of the Gran Telescopio Canarias That night, the GTC—the world’s largest optical-infrared telescope, with a 10.4-meter mirror—joined this astronomical “hunt.” Its mission: to observe the afterglow of GRB 250205A, initially detected by space telescopes such as Swift and Fermi. From its privileged location at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, the GTC provided high-quality data that help scientists understand the nature of these cosmic explosions and refine models
A Great Night for Hunting Gamma-Ray Bursts A Cosmic Night: February 5, 2025 The night of February 5, 2025 will be remembered as one of those extraordinary moments in the history of astronomy. The Gran
Webminar on Astrotourism. Oportunities and challeges On November 12, 2025, astrotourism takes center stage once again with the webinar “Astrotourism Experiences: Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses,” organized by Turismo de Portugal as part of its Tourism Innovation Webinar Series. This online event aims to share knowledge and highlight the importance of stargazing as a driver of sustainable development in destinations like La Palma, internationally recognized for its Starlight skies. Astrotourism: Innovation, Science, and Sustainability During the session, experts will explore current challenges and emerging opportunities in this growing sector, focusing on: Sustainable development of astronomical tourism. Synergies with scientific outreach and education. Design of high-quality astronomical experiences, such as those offered at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory or from certified astronomical viewpoints across the island. La Palma, a pioneer in astrotourism in Europe, serves as an inspiring example for tourism businesses seeking to stand out with authentic, environmentally conscious, and high-value experiences for their visitors. How to Join The webinar will take place on November 12, 2025, from 10:30 to 12:30 (local time) and will be streamed live on Turismo de Portugal’s official channels: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Astrotourism for Businesses: A Vision for the Future This initiative strengthens the connection between tourism, science, and sustainability. In La Palma, astrotourism is more than just a visual experience — it’s an economic model that protects the night sky while creating opportunities for local development. If you manage accommodation, tours, or cultural experiences, this event will provide valuable insights into integrating stargazing tourism into your offer. Astrotourism in La Palma: a successful model shining bright across the universe. More astro events here: https://lapalmastars.com/en/astro-events/
Webminar on Astrotourism. Oportunities and challeges On November 12, 2025, astrotourism takes center stage once again with the webinar “Astrotourism Experiences: Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses,” organized by Turismo de Portugal as part of its
Three Months After Reopening, Our AstroLaPalma Shop Shines Again It’s been three months since we reopened the doors of our astronomy shop in La Palma. Getting here wasn’t easy. We had to close during the Covid pandemic, and when we were ready to return, the volcano eruption changed everything. We lost energy, stock, and hope for a while. The shelves gathered dust, and so did our dreams. But slowly, we rebuilt it all. We threw away what time had spoiled, repainted the walls, and began again—little by little. Today, three months later, we can proudly say: we’re back, stronger and brighter than ever. Now we’re getting ready for the Christmas season with new products, fresh ideas, and the same passion for the stars. La Palma’s First Astronomy Shop Is Shining Again Our shop isn’t just a place to buy things—it’s a space for people who love the night sky. On the shelves, you’ll find T-shirts and hoodies from the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), caps, mugs, bags, and keychains with constellation designs, cosmic-inspired jewelry, books, binoculars, and second-hand telescopes ready for new stargazing nights. Getting Ready for Christmas This Christmas, we want to help you give the gift of stars. We’re adding new designs, exclusive products, and special items for astronomers and dreamers. If you’re planning your trip to La Palma, visit us early! You’ll find astronomical souvenirs, GTC apparel, constellation earrings, and beginner telescopes—everything you need to share science, beauty, and wonder. A Meeting Place for Sky Lovers Our shop is also a place to talk about stars, science, and exploration. Here we share stories about the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, and the best nights for stargazing. Every visitor reminds us why we do what we do—because looking up is still one of
Three Months After Reopening, Our AstroLaPalma Shop Shines Again It’s been three months since we reopened the doors of our astronomy shop in La Palma. Getting here wasn’t easy. We had to close during the
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
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