We welcome you to the astronomical viewpoint of Ribaforada, an extraordinary place to observe the stars due to the quality and darkness of its night sky.
Stars were once a subject of study and contemplation, and in the future, they may well become our destination as a species. There is something about their presence that stirs our deepest desires for knowledge and curiosity. Gazing at the sky comforts and captivates us; as science communicator Carl Sagan once said, something tells us we are approaching the greatest of mysteries, and that is our path.
Poor urban lighting affects the clarity with which the night sky can be observed.
This type of pollution stems from poorly designed lighting fixtures that direct light upward instead of downward (where it is actually needed), along with excessive wattage and use at inappropriate times.
The consequences of such lighting range from wasted energy and money, to driver glare and polluting effects from toxic waste generated by used lamps, as well as the well-documented loss of visibility of the night sky.
Fortunately, lower-consumption, higher-efficiency lamps are the least polluting, so the general trend is to progressively replace older ones.
In this way, the DARK SKY will gradually be restored.
Location: 42.00381, -1.523135
In the town center, Mirador de las Bardenas Park.
Furniture
- An interpret stand with information about the Starlight Viewpoint.
- A stellar directional set.
- Interactive educational sign with cubes.
- Lounge chairs to relax and observe the stars.
How to get there