The sky Law (Canary Islands). The regulation that protects one of the best skies on the planet

If you have observed the stars from La Palma, you have probably noticed something special: the sky is darker, clearer, and more intense than in most places in the world.

This is not a coincidence. It is the result of a pioneering regulation known as the Sky Law in the Canary Islands, one of the most advanced legislations in the world for protecting the night sky.

Thanks to this law, the archipelago —and especially La Palma— has become an international reference for astronomy and astrotourism.

What exactly is the Sky Law?

The so-called Sky Law is the common name for Law 31/1988 on the protection of the astronomical quality of the observatories of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands.

Its objective is clear: to guarantee optimal conditions for astronomical observation from the observatories located in the Canary Islands.

More official information at Sky Law (Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands)

What does this law regulate?

The Sky Law goes far beyond lighting. It is a comprehensive regulation that protects the scientific environment on several levels:

• Light pollution: control of artificial lighting to prevent skyglow (see also our article on why controlling light pollution matters)
• Radio interference: limitation of signals that affect telescopes
• Atmospheric pollution: control of emissions that could reduce sky transparency
• Air traffic routes: regulation of flight paths to avoid disturbances

This makes the Canary Islands one of the few places in the world where the sky is protected in an integrated way.

Why is it unique in the world?

Although similar initiatives exist in other countries, the Sky Law was one of the first regulations of its kind at a global level.

Its approach is especially advanced because it:

• Protects the sky as a scientific resource
• Integrates multiple types of pollution
• Is directly linked to world-class research infrastructures

This model has served as an international reference for other night sky protection initiatives.

La Palma: a natural laboratory of the Universe

Thanks to this law, places like the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory enjoy exceptional conditions:

• More than 300 clear nights per year
• Extremely low light pollution
• High atmospheric stability

This allows telescopes from all over the world to be installed on the island and carry out cutting-edge astrophysical research.

More information about the observatory: Roque de los Muchachos Observatory – IAC

Science, tourism and conservation

Protecting the sky not only benefits science. It has also driven the development of astrotourism.

La Palma was the first destination in the world to be recognized as a Starlight Reserve and Destination, a certification that guarantees the quality of the night sky. In fact, La Palma was chosen for the signing of the Starlight Declaration (2007), promoted by UNESCO, which recognizes the universal right to starlight.

The night sky is also a natural heritage that must be protected.

From La Palma, we not only observe the Universe. We also learn how to preserve it. This allows visitors and astronomy enthusiasts to enjoy unique experiences, from stargazing and night photography to observatory visits.

La entrada The sky Law (Canary Islands). The regulation that protects one of the best skies on the planet se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

We are not alone… but we still don’t know how much

In recent years, astronomy has gone from knowing no planets beyond our Solar System to discovering thousands. Today we know that exoplanets are not the exception—they are the rule in the Universe.

But the big question remains the same: how many of those worlds could resemble Earth?

If you want to explore a specific example, you can read about Gliese 12 b, one of the most interesting exoplanets discovered recently.

How many exoplanets have been discovered?

As of 2026, more than 5,500 exoplanets have been confirmed, distributed across thousands of planetary systems.

And the most fascinating part: these are only the ones we have been able to detect with current technology. Estimates suggest there could be hundreds of billions of planets in our galaxy alone.

In other words, almost every star we see in the sky likely has its own planetary system.

Which telescope has discovered the most exoplanets?

The main protagonist in exoplanet detection has been NASA’s Kepler space telescope.

Kepler revolutionized astronomy by systematically using the transit method, continuously observing more than 150,000 stars.

Why has it been so effective?

• Continuous observation over several years
• Wide field of view
• High photometric precision

Today, its successor, TESS, continues this work by searching for exoplanets closer to Earth, ideal for detailed studies.

How many are in the habitable zone?

Of the thousands of exoplanets discovered, only a small fraction lies within the so-called habitable zone.

It is estimated that there are between 50 and 70 potentially habitable exoplanets, although this number is constantly evolving with new discoveries.

However, being in the habitable zone does not necessarily mean that a planet is truly habitable.

What exactly is the habitable zone?

The habitable zone is the region around a star where a planet could have liquid water on its surface, a condition considered essential for life as we know it.

But many additional factors come into play:

• Presence of an atmosphere
• Chemical composition
• Stellar activity
• Magnetic field

For example, Venus lies close to the habitable zone… and yet it is an extremely hostile planet, with temperatures above 400°C and a dense, corrosive atmosphere incompatible with life.

What is the probability of life?

This is where we enter one of the biggest questions in science.

We know that planets exist, and that some are located in habitable zones… but we do not know how many actually develop life.

To address this question, scientists use a theoretical model known as the Drake Equation.

The Drake Equation

Proposed in 1961 by astronomer Frank Drake, this equation attempts to estimate the number of technologically advanced civilizations in our galaxy.

It considers factors such as:

• The rate of star formation
• The number of planets per star
• The fraction of habitable planets
• The probability of life emerging
• The evolution toward intelligent life

The challenge is that many of these values are still unknown.

However, thanks to the discovery of thousands of exoplanets, we can now better constrain some of these terms.

La Palma and the search for other worlds

Detecting exoplanets is only the first step. The next is understanding them.

In this context, the telescopes at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos play a key role in characterizing atmospheres and monitoring planetary systems.

From La Palma, astronomers study stars, analyze spectra, and contribute to answering one of humanity’s deepest questions:

Are we alone in the Universe?

Looking at the sky from a new perspective

When we observe the night sky today, we no longer see just stars—we imagine other worlds.

We see planetary systems, potentially habitable worlds, and environments where life very different from ours could exist.

The discovery of exoplanets has not only changed astronomy. It has changed the way we understand our place in the Universe. However, even if we know these worlds exist, reaching them—or communicating with possible life—remains far beyond our current capabilities.

La entrada How Many Exoplanets Exist? Habitable Zone, Life and the Drake Equation se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

The night sky is disappearing… and most people haven’t noticed

Look up at the sky from almost any city in the world and you will notice something strange: there are fewer stars than there should be.

It’s not that the Universe has changed. It’s that our planet has. The loss of the natural night sky is one of the fastest environmental changes of our time, and yet it largely goes unnoticed by most people.

This is why understanding the relationship between dark skies and light pollution is not just a matter of astronomy. It is a matter of culture, science, biodiversity, and our connection with the Universe.

A global issue with real consequences

Light pollution does not only affect stargazing. It also disrupts ecosystems, alters animal behavior, and impacts human health.

Artificial light at night interferes with natural cycles, from bird migration to sleep patterns.

Organizations such as DarkSky International have been working for decades to raise awareness and promote responsible lighting.

At the same time, institutions such as UNESCO recognize the value of the night sky as part of humanity’s natural and cultural heritage.

The sky as a shared human heritage

For most of human history, the night sky has been a constant. It guided navigation, inspired mythology, and helped shape our understanding of the world.

Today, millions of people can no longer see the Milky Way.

This is why initiatives such as the Starlight Foundation defend access to a starry sky as a fundamental right.

Protecting dark skies is not only a scientific issue—it is about preserving a universal human experience.

The role of photography and outreach

One of the most powerful ways to understand what we are losing is through images.

The international project The World at Night (TWAN) brings together photographers from around the world to capture the beauty of the night sky over natural and cultural landscapes.

These images are not just aesthetic. They are a record of what still exists… and what could disappear if it is not protected.

The best places in the world for stargazing

Despite the increase in light pollution, there are still places on Earth where the night sky can be experienced in its full beauty.

Some of the best astrotourism destinations in the world include:

• La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) – One of the first Starlight Destinations, with exceptional observing conditions.
• Atacama Desert (Chile) – Home to some of the most important observatories in the world.
• Mauna Kea (Hawaii) – High altitude and extremely stable atmosphere.
• Namib Desert (Namibia) – One of the darkest skies on Earth.
• Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand) – International Dark Sky Reserve.

These places are not just tourist destinations. They are protected environments where the night sky still exists in its purest form.

Why dark skies matter for the future

Protecting the night sky does not mean turning off all lights. It means using light intelligently.

The goal is to find a balance between human development and environmental preservation.

Better lighting design, reduced glare, and increased awareness can significantly reduce light pollution without compromising safety. It is a global challenge, but also an opportunity to rethink our relationship with the environment.

Looking up again

In a world dominated by screens, the night sky offers something increasingly rare: perspective.

It reminds us of our place in the Universe, the vast distances around us, and a shared human experience.

Protecting the night sky is not only about saving the stars. It is about preserving our connection with them.

La entrada Why Dark Skies Matter: The Global Fight Against Light Pollution se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

The New Race to the Moon: Artemis, China and the Future of Lunar Exploration

Why returning to the Moon is no longer about the past, but about the future

The idea of a new race to the Moon is no longer science fiction. It is already happening. More than 50 years after the Apollo missions, space agencies and new global powers are once again focusing on our natural satellite—but this time, the objective is very different.

This is not just about planting flags or proving technological superiority. The new lunar era is about staying, learning, and preparing humanity for deeper space exploration.

At the center of this new phase are two major players: NASA, with the Artemis program, and China, with its rapidly advancing lunar exploration strategy.

Artemis: NASA’s roadmap back to the Moon

The Artemis program represents the most ambitious international effort in space exploration today. Led by NASA, with strong contributions from ESA, Canada and other partners, Artemis aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence.

Unlike Apollo, Artemis is designed as a sustainable program. It includes:

• The Orion spacecraft for deep space missions
• The Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built
• The Lunar Gateway, a future space station orbiting the Moon
• Future surface missions to explore and utilize lunar resources

The recent Artemis missions mark the beginning of this process. Step by step, the program is testing the technology required to move from short visits to long-term exploration.

China’s lunar ambitions: a silent but powerful strategy

While Artemis attracts most of the global attention, China has been quietly building one of the most consistent and successful lunar programs in recent years.

Through its Chang’e missions, China has already:

• Sent orbiters and landers to the Moon
• Achieved the first landing on the far side of the Moon
• Returned lunar samples to Earth

Looking ahead, China is working toward a long-term objective similar to Artemis: the creation of a permanent research base on the Moon, potentially in collaboration with other countries.

This parallel development is what has led many experts to describe the current situation as a new space race—although very different in nature from the Cold War competition.

Why the Moon matters again

The renewed interest in the Moon is not accidental. It is driven by science, technology, and strategy.

The Moon offers unique opportunities:

• Access to water ice in permanently shadowed regions
• A platform for deep-space observation and astronomy
• A testing ground for technologies needed for Mars missions
• Resources that could support future space infrastructure

In this sense, the Moon is no longer just a destination—it is a stepping stone.

The Moon and astronomy: a deeper connection

For astronomy, the Moon has always been more than a bright object in the sky. It is a key reference for understanding planetary formation, celestial mechanics, and the history of our solar system.

Future lunar missions could even enable new types of observatories, especially on the far side of the Moon, where radio silence creates ideal conditions for studying the Universe.

This connection between exploration and observation is essential. Before we travel into space, we first learn to understand it.

A global effort, not just a competition

Although often described as a “race,” the current return to the Moon is also deeply collaborative. Artemis itself involves multiple countries, and even traditionally independent programs share scientific knowledge and objectives.

This reflects a major shift: space exploration is no longer a purely national effort. It is becoming a global scientific and technological project.

What this means for the future

The next decade will define how humanity explores space. The Moon will likely host robotic missions, human landings, and eventually semi-permanent infrastructures.

For the first time, we are moving toward a future where human presence beyond Earth could become continuous.

This has implications not only for science, but also for education, technology, and how we understand our place in the Universe.

Looking up: where exploration begins

Even as missions travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers into space, the connection with the night sky remains essential.

Every major step in exploration begins with observation—with looking up and asking questions.

Whether from a professional observatory or simply from a dark sky location, understanding the Moon is the first step toward reaching it.

The new race to the Moon is not just about space agencies. It is about all of us learning, observing, and reconnecting with the sky.

La entrada The New Race to the Moon: Artemis, China and the Future of Lunar Exploration se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

From invisible pioneers… to leading figures in space exploration

Just over 50 years ago, during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, humanity took one of the most important steps in its history: setting foot on the Moon for the first time.

But that iconic image had a clear absence: there were no women astronauts.

And yet, the history of women in space had already begun.

In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel into space aboard the Vostok 6 mission. For nearly three days, she orbited the Earth alone, opening a door that would barely be crossed again for many years. Because the problem was never capability. It was opportunity.

Women in STEM: real progress, but persistent inequality

Progress is undeniable, but data shows that equality has not yet been achieved.

• Only 33% of researchers worldwide are women
  Source: UNESCO
• Approximately 35% of students in STEM fields are women
  Source: UNESCO
• In Europe, women represent only 19% of ICT specialists
  Source: Eurostat
• In artificial intelligence, female representation drops below 25%
  Source: World Economic Forum

This reflects a clear reality: women have entered science, but not on equal terms.

The invisible pioneers of the Apollo program

While astronauts were traveling into space, many women were making those missions possible.

Katherine Johnson: the mathematics behind the Moon landing

Katherine Johnson was one of the key figures in the Apollo program.

• She calculated critical orbital trajectories
• She manually verified early computer calculations
• She ensured the precision of missions like Apollo 11

Her work was essential, although it remained largely unrecognized for decades.

Official NASA biography

Margaret Hamilton: the software that saved the mission

Margaret Hamilton led the development of the Apollo lunar module software.

• She designed the Apollo navigation system
• She implemented real-time error detection systems
• She prevented mission failure during the Moon landing

Her work laid the foundations of modern software engineering.

Official NASA biography

Artemis: a turning point

The Artemis program marks a before and after in the history of space exploration.

For the first time, a woman will walk on the Moon.

Christina Koch: a new generation

Christina Koch represents this new era.

• Electrical engineer and NASA astronaut
• Record holder for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days)
• Member of the Artemis II mission

Her presence is not symbolic. It is the result of decades of progress in science and society.

Christina Koch represents a new generation of space explorers. With a career shaped by both engineering and extreme environments on Earth —from Antarctica to remote research stations— her work combines science, resilience, and adaptability under extreme conditions.

In 2019, she set the record for the longest continuous spaceflight by a woman, with 328 days aboard the International Space Station, participating in scientific experiments, spacewalks, and complex operations in microgravity.

Official NASA biography

Today’s science: women in astrophysics

Today, women are actively involved at all levels of scientific research.

From places like the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, they contribute to studies on:

• Exoplanets
• Galaxies and the evolution of the Universe
• Astronomical instrumentation

Their role is no longer exceptional. It is essential.

The challenge ahead

Despite progress, significant challenges remain:

• Lower representation in leadership positions
• Higher dropout rates in advanced scientific careers
• Persistent structural and cultural barriers

The challenge is no longer just access, but retention, progression, and recognition.

A new image of exploration

In 1963, a woman orbited the Earth for the first time. In 1969, there were no women on the Moon. Today, they are part of the missions that will return there.

And that changes everything. Because talent was never the barrier. The barrier was who had the opportunity. And that —although not completely— is beginning to change.

La entrada Women in Space: from Valentina Tereshkova to the Artemis Program se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

The first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years is now a reality

The Artemis II mission, marking the human Moon return in 2026, has moved from being a project to becoming one of the most important milestones in modern space exploration. More than half a century after the Apollo missions, humans are once again traveling toward the Moon.

What is happening now with Artemis II

As of April 2026, Artemis II is in a critical phase: the full validation of the Orion system with crew on board. The mission lasts approximately 10 days and includes a lunar flyby before returning to Earth.

During this time, astronauts are testing all systems required for future missions: deep-space navigation, communications, life support, and spacecraft control.

This type of mission is essential because it verifies every detail under real conditions before the next major step: returning humans to the lunar surface.

Orion: the spacecraft that will carry astronauts

The Orion capsule is the vehicle designed to transport humans beyond Earth orbit. Unlike the Apollo spacecraft, it incorporates modern technology, digital systems, and improved radiation protection.

A key detail: Orion’s service module has been developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). This system provides power, air, water, and propulsion. This makes Artemis II a truly international mission in which Europe plays a crucial role.

The human experience: seeing Earth from the Moon

One of the most powerful moments of the mission will be the so-called Earthrise: the sight of Earth appearing above the lunar horizon. This phenomenon, already witnessed during the Apollo missions, has a strong emotional impact. From the Moon, Earth appears as a small blue planet suspended in space.

For those of us observing the sky from places like La Palma, this creates a unique connection: we look at the Moon… while they look back at Earth.

What Artemis II means for astronomy

Artemis II is not only important for NASA. It also has a direct impact on astronomy outreach and observation.

The Moon becomes a central focus again, increasing interest in:

• Lunar observation with telescopes
• Moon phases and dynamics
• The relationship between space exploration and astronomy

For amateurs and the general public, this is a unique opportunity to rediscover our natural satellite from a new perspective.

A fascinating technical detail

The trajectory of Artemis II follows a free-return trajectory.

This means that, in case of failure, the Moon’s gravity helps guide the spacecraft back to Earth without requiring complex maneuvers.

It is an elegant and safe solution, directly inherited from the Apollo era.

What comes after Artemis II

This mission is the stepping stone toward Artemis III, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface.

It is also part of a broader plan:

• Construction of the Lunar Gateway station
• Sustained exploration of the Moon
• Preparation for crewed missions to Mars

Looking at the sky from La Palma

From La Palma, one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation, missions like Artemis II are experienced in a unique way.  Here, astronomy is not just science—it is an experience. Watching the Moon while a crewed spacecraft flies around it reminds us of something essential:

space exploration always begins by looking up at the sky.

Latest official links and photo resources

• NASA Artemis II mission page
• NASA Artemis II journey to the Moon gallery
• NASA Artemis II lunar flyby gallery
• Official image: Earth from Orion
• Official image: Earthset
• Official image: Solar eclipse from Artemis II
• ESA: European Service Module for Artemis II

La entrada Artemis II: the mission that marks the human return to the Moon in 2026 se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

Gran Telescopio Canarias observes the closest Little Red Dot and reveals how the first black holes grew

The Little Red Dot and Gran Telescopio Canarias in La Palma are at the heart of a key astrophysics result: studying the closest known example of these enigmatic objects helps astronomers understand how the first supermassive black holes grew during
cosmic dawn. Observations with the Gran Telescopio Canarias, at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, provide crucial evidence about the density of the gas surrounding these rapidly growing black holes.

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What is a Little Red Dot?

Little Red Dots (LRDs) are very compact, faint objects first identified in deep surveys by the
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). They were found in the early Universe, when it was less than 1.5 billion years old—an era known as cosmic dawn, when the first galaxies and complex structures were taking shape.

 

Why are they so intriguing?

Because they show strong signs of hosting rapidly growing supermassive black holes, but they do not behave like typical nearby active galaxies.

Their spectra often show strong hydrogen emission lines (sometimes with broad components indicating fast-moving gas), yet their emission in X-rays and the infrared can be unexpectedly weak. This challenges standard models of how black holes grow.

¿Qué es una Little Red Dot?

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The mystery of the rapid growth of the first black holes

One of the biggest challenges in modern cosmology is explaining how black holes with millions—or even billions—of solar masses could form and grow
in less than a billion years.

A key clue is that many Little Red Dots show absorption features within their hydrogen emission lines. This suggests that while very hot gas is producing a bright glow, the system is surrounded by cooler, extremely dense gas that absorbs part of the radiation and reshapes what we observe.

What does that mean in simple terms?

• The black hole is actively growing via accretion (pulling in gas).
• It may be embedded in a dense gas envelope.
• That envelope can absorb and reprocess the emitted light, changing its apparent signature.

Measuring the properties of this dense gas in the early Universe is extremely difficult. That’s why finding a nearby analogue is so powerful.

La entrada Gran Telescopio Canarias observes the closest Little Red Dot and reveals how the first black holes grew se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

A Practical Guide from the Skies of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

Night photography with your phone in La Palma is one of the most exciting ways to experience the island’s dark skies. More than a trend, it’s an accessible way to connect with astronomy, discover the beauty of the night, and capture the Universe with the device you already carry in your pocket.

From the astronomical viewpoints in La Palma, and especially around the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, one of the most important astrophysics research centers in the Northern Hemisphere, anyone can begin photographing stars or sunsets without needing a professional camera.

In this guide, I’ll explain what to do, very simple, how to configure your phone, and the best settings to start today.

Why La Palma Is Perfect for Night Photography

La Palma is a certified Starlight Reserve and Destination, internationally recognized for the quality of its night sky.

The combination of:

• High altitude (over 2,000 m at the Roque)
• Extremely low light pollution
• Exceptional atmospheric stability
• Legal sky protection

makes it possible for even a smartphone to capture sharp stars.

But it goes further. La Palma is one of the world’s epicenters of astronomy and astrophysics, thanks to the work of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), which manages the observatory. That scientific and environmental quality translates into something very simple: you can observe and photograph the sky from almost any high point on the island with spectacular results.

How to Set Up Your Phone for Night Photography

Activate Night Mode

Most modern smartphones include an automatic night mode.

What does Night Mode do?

• Increases exposure time
• Combines multiple images
• Reduces digital noise

Practical tip: rest your phone on a rock, railing, or use a small tripod. Stability is more important than the phone model.

Manual Settings (Pro Mode) for Stars

If your phone allows manual configuration, these are good starting values for beginner night photography:

For Stars or the Milky Way

• ISO: 800–3200
• Exposure: 10–20 seconds
• Focus: manual to infinity
• White balance: 3500–4000K

If stars appear blurred, reduce the exposure time.

The explanation is simple: the longer light enters the sensor, the more signal you capture — but also the more apparent movement due to Earth’s rotation. Another reason for blurred images could be that focus is not good.

More details: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/night-photography.html

Sunset Photography with Your Phone

The surroundings of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory are among the best places in Europe to photograph sunsets above the sea of clouds. Fuencaliente is another option, closer and easier, but in general just looking west.

Recommended Sunset Settings

• Low ISO (100–200)
• Exposure compensation: -0.3 or -0.7
• Activate HDR
• Tap on the brightest part of the sky to avoid overexposure

The key is not to oversaturate colors, but to preserve detail and natural contrast.

Best Astronomical Viewpoints in La Palma for Photography

Composition makes all the difference.

Practical tips:

• Look for silhouettes (pine trees, people, telescope domes)
• Use the altitude and clean horizon
• Include the sea of clouds if you are above 1,500 m

The astronomical viewpoints in La Palma offer perfect natural compositions for night photography and stargazing.

Avoid the Full Moon if You Want to Photograph Stars

If your goal is to capture the Milky Way or faint stars:

• Avoid full moon nights
• Check the lunar calendar
• Prefer new moon or a low crescent

Moonlight reduces sky contrast and makes it harder to capture detail.

Beginner Night Photography in La Palma

You don’t need advanced knowledge of astrophysics to start, but understanding a few basics helps:

• The sky is never completely black
• Stars have different colors
• The atmosphere affects sharpness

Practice is essential. And La Palma is one of the best places in the world to begin astronomical photography with your phone.

Astronomy and Photography: A Complete Experience

During our stargazing tours in La Palma, we don’t just look through telescopes. We also explain:

• What you are photographing
• How to orient yourself in the sky
• How to improve your results with your phone

The experience combines scientific outreach, emotion, and real practice under one of the best skies on the planet.

Joining a Tour with Us in La Palma?

If you book an experience at LaPalmaStars.com:

• You can bring your phone
• We help you with the settings
• We give you personalized night photography tips

Because night photography is not only about technique. It’s about learning to look at the sky with intention.

La Palma: Where Astronomy Begins by Looking Up

The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory studies the deep Universe.
You can start capturing it with your phone.

At AstroLaPalma, we work to make astrotourism in La Palma accessible, rigorous, and inspiring.

If you want to learn night photography, understand astronomy, and experience stargazing in La Palma in a close and meaningful way… we’ll see you under the stars It is possible!!

La entrada Night Photography and Sunset Photography with Your Phone in La Palma se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

In La Palma, the sky is not only enjoyed at night. In winter, the atmosphere can gift us spectacular light phenomena such as the 22° solar halo, the mysterious Brocken Spectre, and other optical effects that look like “magic”… but are actually pure physics.If you love astronomy, meteorology, or you are simply curious about the sky, this article is for you.And if you would like to learn how to observe (and photograph) these gifts from the sky, at La Palma Stars we have been doing exactly that for years with visitors from all over the world.

What Is a 22° Solar Halo and Why Does It Appear in Winter?

Sometimes winter brings a silent gift: a luminous ring around the Sun. That is a 22° solar halo. It is not a rainbow, not a camera filter, and not a strange phone effect. It is a real and very recognizable atmospheric phenomenon.

How a Solar Halo Forms

A halo forms when sunlight passes through ice crystals suspended in high-altitude clouds (usually cirrostratus clouds). These crystals are typically hexagonal and act like tiny prisms. The light is refracted (bent) as it passes through them, and due to geometry, the ring appears at a “typical” radius of 22 degrees from the Sun.

How to Recognize It (No Instruments Needed)

• You see a circle (sometimes complete, sometimes partial) around the Sun.
• It appears at a constant distance: 22° (a fist at arm’s length equals about 10°, so it’s a little more than two fists).
• The inner edge may appear slightly reddish.
• The sky often looks “milky” due to thin high clouds.

Besides being beautiful, it can also be a weather clue: the presence of cirrostratus clouds may indicate an approaching weather front. But most importantly, it makes you look up.

If you would like to learn more, you can consult: https://atoptics.co.uk/halo/halos.htm

Important: never look directly at the Sun. If you want to observe a solar halo, do so safely by placing the Sun behind the edge of a building, a pole, or another object to block direct glare.

With a full Moon, the same halo can also appear — but instead of the Sun, the Moon becomes the light source that produces the ring. This is known as a lunar halo.

Brocken Spectre: When Your Shadow Becomes a Giant Above the Clouds

This is one of the most impressive mountain phenomena to witness. The Brocken Spectre occurs when:

• You are in a high location (summit or viewpoint).
• The Sun is behind you (low in the sky, especially effective at sunrise or sunset).
• There is fog or a sea of clouds in front of you.

What Do You Actually See?

Your shadow is projected onto the mist and, due to perspective, appears enormous, like a giant human figure. Sometimes, colored rings called a glory appear around it, formed by light interacting with tiny water droplets (diffraction and backscattering).

If you have never seen it, here is a photo:

 

In La Palma, with our temperature inversions and seas of clouds, this phenomenon can certainly appear on very specific days. When it happens, people often fall silent… and then someone asks: “Did I just see a ghost?”

More information: Brocken Spectre https://www.britannica.com/science/Brocken-spectre

Other Optical Sky Phenomena You Can Observe (That Will Make You Doubt Your Eyes)

The solar halo and the Brocken Spectre are not alone. Here are other atmospheric effects caused by ice crystals or suspended droplets. Once you know them, you will start spotting them more often.

Sundogs (Parhelia)

Two bright spots appear to the left and right of the Sun at the same altitude. Sometimes it looks like there are three suns. They are related to the same optical family as the 22° halo.

Light Pillars

These are vertical columns of light visible at sunrise or sunset. They form when light reflects off ice crystals aligned in particular orientations. In photographs, they can look spectacular.

Circumzenithal Arc (“The Smile in the Sky”)

A colorful arc shaped like an upside-down smile that appears when the Sun is relatively low and ice crystals are present in high clouds. Many people mistake it for an “upside-down rainbow.”

Why Winter Is Peak Season for These Sky “Miracles”

In winter, several factors align:

• High-altitude clouds with ice crystals are more common.
• The Sun is lower in the sky during the day, favoring certain light angles.
• The atmosphere can be more stable under specific inversion conditions.

The result: more opportunities to see halos, sundogs, light pillars… and, with some luck, a Brocken Spectre.

How to Photograph a Solar Halo or Brocken Spectre with Your Smartphone

Yes, you can photograph them with a smartphone — no need for the latest model. The key is understanding exposure and controlling glare.

Quick Smartphone Tips

• Lower the exposure (most phones allow you to reduce brightness/EV by tapping and sliding on screen).
• Avoid digital zoom; crop later if needed.
• Block the Sun partially with an object (building edge, pole, rock) to prevent overexposure.
• Clean the lens; even a fingerprint can reduce halo visibility.
• For the Brocken Spectre, find high ground with the Sun behind you and fog or clouds ahead.

During our stargazing tours and sky observation experiences at La Palma Stars, we do not only look at the night sky — we also teach how to recognize these phenomena and capture them properly, even with your phone.

La Palma Stars: Learning to See the Sky Differently

At LaPalmaStars.com, we share the sky of La Palma with one clear idea:
learn how to observe.

Astronomy may begin at night — but wonder can start in broad daylight with a solar halo, a light pillar, or a Brocken Spectre above the sea of clouds.

If you enjoy articles like this, follow our blog and join us — here, the sky always has something new to reveal.

Have you ever seen a 22° halo?

La entrada Solar Halo in La Palma se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.

La Palma once again takes its place on the global astronomy map with the discovery of a New Super-Earth in La Palma, detected thanks to observations carried out at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, part of the Observatorio de La Palma. This astronomical complex, one of the most important in the Northern Hemisphere, played a key role in identifying a new planet orbiting the star HD 176986, located about 91 light-years away.

The discovery was led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) and published in the scientific journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, one of the leading publications in astrophysics.

HD 176986: A Nearby Star with Three Planets

The image above is an artistic impression of the HD 176986 planetary system. It is not a real photograph, but a scientific illustration representing how the system might look. Credit: Gabriel Pérez Díaz (IAC).

HD 176986 is an orange dwarf star (K-type), slightly smaller and cooler than our Sun. At a distance of about 91 light-years, it is relatively close in astronomical terms.

This planetary system has been known since 2018, when an IAC-led study revealed two planets:

• HD 176986 b, with an orbital period of 6.5 days
• HD 176986 c, with an orbital period of 16.8 days

Now, an international research team has identified a third planet: a new super-Earth, bringing the total number of known planets in this system to three.

What Is a Super-Earth?

A super-Earth is an exoplanet with a mass greater than Earth’s but smaller than that of ice giants like Neptune. The term refers only to its size and mass — it does not automatically mean the planet is habitable.

What Does “Habitable” Really Mean?

When scientists speak about habitability, they do not mean confirmed life. Instead, they refer to the potential for conditions that could allow liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface — a key ingredient for life as we know it.

For a planet to be considered potentially habitable, several factors are important:

• It must orbit within the habitable zone of its star (not too close, not too far).
• Surface temperatures must allow liquid water.
• A suitable atmosphere should be present.
• The orbit must be stable over long timescales.

Space agencies such as NASA and European Space Agency actively study exoplanets to understand how common potentially habitable worlds might be in our galaxy.

In the case of HD 176986, the newly discovered planet is classified as a super-Earth, but this does not necessarily imply habitability.

The Role of the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo and HARPS-N

The crucial observations were made using the HARPS-N spectrograph installed at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.

HARPS-N (High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher – North) is one of the most precise instruments in the world for detecting exoplanets using the radial velocity method.

This technique measures tiny variations in a star’s motion caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets. These variations are incredibly small — yet detectable thanks to high-precision instruments like HARPS-N.

More technical information about HARPS-N can be found on the official IAC website:
https://www.iac.es/es/observatorios-de-canarias/telescopios-y-experimentos/high-accuracy-radial-velocity-planet-searcher

We have also previously covered HARPS-N and its work on our blog:
https://lapalmastars.com/tag/harps-n-2

The Importance of Long-Term Observations

One of the key messages of this study is the importance of long-term monitoring.

Small planets with longer orbital periods can take years to confirm. Continuous observation of HD 176986 allowed researchers to distinguish the planetary signal from the star’s natural activity — a challenging task when dealing with extremely subtle measurements.

Such research contributes to answering fundamental questions:

• How do planetary systems form?
• What types of planets are most common?
• How diverse are planetary systems across our galaxy?

Each new discovery expands our understanding of the architecture and evolution of planetary systems.

Can We See This Star from La Palma?

HD 176986 is too faint to be seen with the naked eye. However, during our stargazing tours and astrotourism experiences in La Palma, we explain:

• How exoplanets are detected.
• Which instruments operate at the Observatory of La Palma.
• The difference between professional research telescopes and amateur instruments.
• How to interpret the night sky like astronomers do.

The protected environment of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, combined with the Canary Islands Sky Law and La Palma’s exceptional atmospheric conditions, allows scientists to conduct world-class research.

And remember: the sky of La Palma is not only beautiful — it is scientifically extraordinary.

When you take part in an astrotourism experience in La Palma, you are observing the same sky used by professional astronomers to discover new worlds.

Experience the Sky Where New Worlds Are Discovered

If you would like to experience the night sky from one of the best astronomical locations on Earth, you are welcome to join our guided stargazing tours and astrotourism experiences in La Palma (LaPalmastars.com).

Here, under the same sky where new super-Earths are discovered, astronomy becomes more than something you read about — it becomes something you experience.

La entrada New Super-Earth in La Palma Discovered at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory se publicó primero en AstroLaPalma.