One of the main reasons why La Palma has one of the best night skies in the world for astronomy is the legal protection of its dark skies.
The Canary Islands Sky Law regulates aspects such as outdoor lighting, radio emissions and certain activities that could affect the quality of astronomical observations. Its purpose is to protect the exceptional observing conditions of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory and the other observatories operated by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC).
Thanks to this legislation, scientists can carry out world-class astronomical research while visitors to La Palma can also enjoy remarkably dark, star-filled skies.
If you would like to learn more about how this pioneering law works and why it has made the Canary Islands an international reference for astronomical sky protection, we explain it in detail in our dedicated blog article.
👉 Recommended internal link: Law of the sky in La Palma