Three and a half hours from Barcelona (about 250.8 km) on the A-2, the ski resort of Port Ainé has installed a new astronomical viewpoint with a telescope and signs to interpret the sky.
The observatory has excellent lighting conditions for stargazing. Although the days in winter are shorter, when the nights come, the sky is filled with stars. This beautiful setting opens the doors to learning and exploration.
In ancient times, the firmament was observed for orientation. And although nowadays we have GPS and smart phones, this ancient practice is still more valid than ever.
Port Ainé installed an astronomic lookout point
The viewpoint is located 400 meters from the Hotel Port Ainé in the middle of the Alt Pirineu Natural Park. It is located exactly on land owned by the Decentralized Municipal Entity of Montenartró, Llavorsí.
It also has a platform made of local black pine wood. Telescope activities can be carried out there.
The platform is built in situ with trees from the same environment that were decrepit or diseased. The best thing is that the ski resort has one of the best light conditions for stargazing.
In fact, the Generalitat foresees that next year it will be declared a reference point for light quality. This recognition certifies the ski resort as an ideal place from which to observe the night sky, enjoy the light of the stars, the planets and the Milky Way.
When you visit the astronomical observatory, you will find informative signs distributed throughout the platform so that you can easily locate the North Star and not lose your bearings.
In addition, the viewpoint has guides certified by the Starlight Foundation, an institution dedicated to bringing astronomical knowledge to the population.
In the middle of the visit they will help you identify stars and constellations and discover the mythology and history surrounding them.
Stars and biodiversity
In addition to enjoying a wonderful experience at night, it’s not all about the stars.
In the Alt Pirineu Natural Park you can also find a great variety of nocturnal animals, since the light conditions of the area favor the presence of nocturnal biodiversity.
The park’s species can develop in their natural conditions without having to alter their biological cycle due to pollution.
If you like animals, in addition to the stars, during the visit you will be able to see nocturnal butterflies, Pyrenean owls, night voles and more than twenty species of bats, among other local species.
The Port Ainé resort inaugurated the new astronomical viewpoint on the occasion of International Mountain Day on December 11.
