Hosted stargazing in Spain in UNESCO world heritage area of zero light pollution!
Co-Hosted by
Greenwich Observatory astronomer and author Tom Kerss
OCTOBER 2021 - Dates TBC
You are invited to join astronomer Tom Keers at my “find of the year 2019” the Torre del Visco, a truly tranquil five star Relais Chateaux hotel in Spain set in a UNESCO Heritage area of zero light pollution. Not only is the hotel very comfortable with all you would expect, pool, fine cuisine, great local wines, it also has a serious telescope!
Your days will be leisurely and relaxed, with things to do, if you would like both in and outside the hotel. Each night the highlight will be a stargazing session outside – laying on the grass looking up at a sky you’ve probably never seen before. It's fascinating, thrilling and completely absorbing all at the same time. You will learn how to get pictures like these– from your own DSLR or even a compact camera.
Before each outdoor session, (evenings are warm) there will be an evening talk over your delicious dinner on what you’ll see and what you should know – all designed for people with a passing interest but no scientific knowledge. We’ll be spending time on astro photography – with and without the telescope, and if you are keen, Tom will help you get the best from the images you have captured with the digital darkroom during the day.
The sessions here take place in the evenings, so with the help of a projector, a programme of short talks is enjoyed prior to each stargazing or astrophotography session, which is then followed by dinner.
What you’ll see
Our first weekend is at the beginning of June when Leo and Virgo offer a fantastic view of our local universe, including many famous galaxies. By late night, the Milky Way becomes very dramatic in the east.
On our second visit in September The Milky Way remains visible earlier in the evening, and our nearest neighbouring galaxy, Andromeda rises spectacularly in the east.
Torre del Visco
Torre del Visco
Here’s the star gazing itinerary
Each evening you’ll enjoy a short illustrated talk prior to each stargazing or astrophotography session.
Night 1 – The night sky and star lore
This introduces the current circumstances of the night sky as seen throughout the trip, providing a general overview on the locations of constellations, the Milky Way, and objects in our solar system. Using charts and historic imagery, the talk delves into the wonderful tapestry of star lore that adorns the sky. The following stargazing session will focus on orientation, continuing the storytelling, and finding notable named stars that are connected to the rich mythology of the night sky.
Night 2 – Introduction to astrophotography and workshop
By using image data captured with Tom’s photographic equipment on the first night, he will present a guide to taking beautiful photos of the sky with whatever equipment you, the guests, have with you. This includes DSLR cameras and lenses, compact cameras and even some smartphones. Tom will present a concise and accessible talk on the theory of astrophotography, using his own images as examples. This will conclude with a series of recommendations for targets before we reconvene outside to take our own pictures.
Night 3 – Photo overview and cosmic perspective
Following our astrophotography session, Tom will present images taken by him and the guests, providing an in-depth guide to what has been captured, and what might be worth expanding upon during our final night. Tom will then use the stars and galaxy visible to talk about our cosmic perspective, describing where we are really looking in 3D, as imagined from outside our Milky Way. We will then take a tour of stars and other objects that allow us to ‘time-travel’ into the deep past, contemplating our own small but incredibly significant presence in the Universe.
This final session will make heavy use of the telescope, to see objects that help us piece together the lives and deaths of stars, discovering our own cosmic heritage in the process.
About Tom Kerrs
Tom is astronomer, astrophotographer and science communicator based at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. His aim is to inspire people to take a closer look at their Universe, explore its inner workings and discover its breath-taking beauty.
As Tom is a very experienced speaker, writer and press expert with a passion for the night sky and a background in astrophysics, Clive felt he was the ideal co-host for Prestige’s new ‘Weekend with the stars’ trips. Tom is young, enthusiastic and brings an air of excitement and a great degree of fun to our events. In talking us through what’s to come, and making sense of what we have seen, Tom entertains and enthrals, rather than lectures.
Tom’s third book has been commissioned following the success of Stargazing – A beginner’s guide to Astronomy (2016), and Moongazing – A beginner’s guide to exploring the moon (2018)
About hotel La Torre del Visco
La Torre del Visco is truly a unique find. This beautifully restored medieval estate is set within a pristine Mediterranean mountain landscape, with clear rivers, wild flowers, organic olive and almond groves as well as organic seasonal produce that supplies the award-winning farm-to-table restaurant. Guests can wander the estate, often not meeting another person, or find a private corner in one of the fragrant gardens, to read a book from the extensive library with a glass of superb local wine from the open cellar. For the active the option of walking, riding or biking are almost endless.
Far away from the hustle and bustle of the world, you can enjoy at La Torre del Visco the glorious scenery of a valley untouched by man and the modern world. The estate house with its tower dating from 1449 is surrounded by its own eighty-nine hectare farm, romantic gardens full of roses and olive trees bordered by the river and the mountain range known as “Ports de Beseit”. The owner grows her own organic fruit and vegetables and makes her own olive oil for the restaurant. Inside the beautiful labyrinthine buildings, immerse yourself in a novel by the fireside, play chess or the piano.
Needless to say the food is varied and delicious, as are the wines from the estate. Don’t expect to lose weight when you join us on our “Weekend with the Stars
What’s included?
· 3 nights sharing in a superior en suite room, including breakfast
· Being met from designated flights at Barcelona Airport and taken in a comfortable MPV to the hotel & return
· Hosting from Clive (owner of Prestige) and astronomer/speaker Tom
· Talks each evening following practical stargazing and astro photography
· Daytime one to one tuition with Tom (if you’d like) and photoshopping workshops using your images
· Use of the telescope & our tripods
· Dinner each evening
· Help with planning and fixing activities in and outside when the relaxation at Torres del Visco becomes just too decadent!
How this is priced, and size of the party:
- £1,750 per person
- Each trip is limited to just 12 people
We need a minimum of 6 guests to run the trip, so please be in touch soonest to reserve your places if you are serious!
