Why do stargazers travel to Costa Rica? First of all, for the same reasons travelers from around the globe journey to this Central American paradise: the inviting tropical climate, spectacular natural scenery, abundant wildlife and friendly, hospitable people.
The added bonus for astronomy buffs is the opportunity to enjoy superb views of the southern night sky – exploring the Large Magellanic Cloud, Omega Centauri, the Southern Cross, the Eta Carinae Nebula and countless other gems of the Mil ...Show more
ky Way.
Join TravelQuest and astronomy author Gary Seronik as we carry on a great tradition: our 13th annual Costa Rica Southern Sky Party, February 6-13, 2016, comfortably based at our private star lodge on the Gulf of Nicoya.
A Perfect Southern Vantage Point
Our Costa Rica adventure is timed to coincide with both the new Moon and the driest time of year in the western part of the country. This should ensure the greatest possible number of clear, star-filled nights – on a grassy open area of the lodge property that offers unobstructed views of the southern horizon.
At 10° N, our Costa Rican viewing site is 15° farther south than the Florida Keys and even more southerly – by 10° – than the Big Island of Hawaii. Many astronomical highlights that hug the horizon in these popular stargazing locales are 10° to 15° higher in Costa Rica’s southern sky.
Attractively Close to Home
Costa Rica is also a wonderfully accessible destination. Just a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, it’s in the Central time zone, so there’s no grueling flight to endure and no tiresome jet lag to get over before you begin enjoying yourself.
What’s more, our TravelQuest’s star lodge offers all the amenities to ensure a relaxed, carefree stay – right down to the convenience of North American standard AC power (120 volts, 60 Hz) in your room, so you never have to worry about keeping your gear charged.
A tropical climate, excellent southern-sky views, great accommodations and the company of easygoing, like-minded travelers – what more could you ask of an astronomical adventure that’s remarkably close to home?
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