Costa Rica is a favorite destination for travelers because of its agreeable climate, spectacular natural scenery, and friendly people. Although this small Central American country is a mecca for bird enthusiasts, what few realize is that it is also a superb destination for amateur astronomers seeking views of the southern sky’s many splendors. Imagine viewing the Large Magellanic Cloud, Omega Centauri, the Southern Cross, the Eta Carinae Nebula, and countless other deep-sky wonders in tropical ...Show more
comfort from a dark-sky site. Now this trip can be yours!
TravelQuest International and Sky & Telescope associate editor Gary Seronik invite you to join our annual winter trip for stargazing and relaxation, February 3-10, 2008. Our specially selected site offers a superb combination of first-rate sky conditions and amenities. At 10° north latitude, our Costa Rica Star Lodge is 15° farther south than the Florida Keys and 10° more southerly than the Big Island of Hawaii — which means that horizon-hugging southern targets will be 10° to 15° higher in the sky than from those locales.
And you don’t have to endure a long, grueling flight or tiresome jet lag to get there — Costa Rica is just a 2.5-hour flight from Miami and time is in the Central time zone!
Our observing site is a coastal location in the most arid part of the country, far from light pollution. In addition, we have timed our tour to coincide with the new Moon and the driest time of year to ensure the greatest number of clear, dark nights. Tour participants will be treated to an unobstructed southern horizon and a grassy, dust-free observing area only a few steps away from their rooms, where North American standard 120-volt, 60-Hz AC power is available.
A perfect climate, perfect sky, perfect accommodations, and easy access. What more could you desire for a southern-sky destination? Join us and discover the wonders of Costa Rica and the southern sky!
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