Learning to Use a Telescope: AstroLaPalma at AstroFest La Palma 2026
Do you have a telescope at home but are not quite sure how to use it? Are you thinking about buying one but don’t know where to start? These are common questions among people who are curious about astronomy and want to explore the night sky for the first time.
To make astronomy more accessible to everyone, Ana García, PhD and founder of AstroLaPalma, led an introductory telescope workshop as part of AstroFest La Palma 2026.
The workshop took place on 25 September at the Casa de la Cultura in Puntallana, bringing together around twenty participants interested in learning how to use telescopes and developing their astronomy knowledge.
Please note: AstroLaPalma’s astronomy workshops and training courses are conducted in Spanish.
A Hands-On Workshop to Learn How to Use a Telescope
The workshop began with an introduction to the different types of telescopes, how they work, and the main features to consider before buying one.
Not all telescopes are the same, and they are not necessarily designed for the same purposes. Understanding their differences is one of the first steps towards getting started in observational astronomy.
During the workshop, participants explored essential topics for beginners, from understanding how telescopes work to the practical aspects of assembling and operating them.
The activity was designed both for people who already owned a telescope and for those who simply wanted to learn more about astronomy.
The Weather Changed Our Plans, but Not the Learning Experience
The original programme included an outdoor stargazing session outside the Casa de la Cultura in Puntallana.
However, weather conditions made this impossible.
Rather than cancelling the practical part of the workshop, the session moved indoors, where several telescopes were assembled, including equipment provided for the workshop and telescopes brought along by participants.
This gave everyone the opportunity to explore different instruments, learn how to assemble them, and ask questions about their operation.
For those who already owned a telescope, it was a chance to become more familiar with their equipment. For those considering buying one, it provided useful guidance on what to look for.
Because learning astronomy is not just about looking through a telescope. It is also about understanding how it works and knowing what we can discover with it.
Which Telescope Should You Choose as a Beginner?
One of the most common questions among people who want to start exploring the night sky is which telescope they should buy.
And the answer does not depend solely on size or price.
There are different optical designs, including refracting, reflecting and catadioptric telescopes, each with its own characteristics and applications.
It is also important to consider the mount, the stability of the equipment, how easy it is to transport, and the types of celestial objects you would like to observe.
For example, you do not necessarily need a large or particularly sophisticated telescope to begin observing the Moon and planets.
In fact, one of the most common mistakes is choosing an instrument that is difficult to assemble or operate, which often means it ends up being used far less than expected.
The best telescope for a beginner is not necessarily the most expensive one, but the one you can learn to use and enjoy regularly.
AstroLaPalma: Making Astronomy Accessible to Everyone
The workshop was led by Ana García, PhD in Astrophysics and founder of AstroLaPalma, a company specialising in astronomy outreach and astrotourism in La Palma since 2012.
Over the years, AstroLaPalma has developed stargazing experiences, guided visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, and educational programmes related to astronomy and night photography.
Our philosophy is based on a simple idea: you do not need to be a scientist or have any previous knowledge to understand and enjoy the Universe.
Astronomy can be explained with scientific accuracy while remaining engaging, enjoyable and accessible.
Taking part in educational activities such as this AstroFest workshop allows us to share knowledge with amateur astronomers and beginners, answer questions, and encourage greater interest in exploring the night sky.
AstroFest La Palma 2026: Science and Astrotourism
The telescope workshop was part of AstroFest La Palma 2026, a programme of activities dedicated to astronomy and astrotourism.
The activity was organised by SODEPAL, funded by the Tourism Department of the Cabildo de La Palma (La Palma Island Council), with the collaboration of Puntallana Town Council.
Initiatives such as AstroFest help bring astrophysics and scientific knowledge closer to the wider public.
Would You Like to Join Our Next Telescope Workshop in La Palma?
At AstroLaPalma, we organise this activity once a year, usually in October, to help people who want to get started in observational astronomy or learn how to make better use of their own telescopes.
If you live in La Palma and would like to participate in the next edition, you can add your name to our waiting list.
We will let you know as soon as the next workshop is announced, so you can find out the date and details of the activity.
Please note that our telescope workshops and astronomy training courses are held in Spanish.
Join the waiting list for our next telescope workshop
We would love to share our passion for astronomy with you!
Because astronomy is for everyone.
More information about the workshop & tours: