“Perseids (20358177150)” by Paul VanDerWerf, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Every August, the sky gifts us with one of the most beautiful spectacles in the universe. If you are at MaestroMío during this month, you have a mandatory date with the stars. Although we call them “shooting stars,” what we are actually seeing are the remains of the Swift-Tuttle comet.
As Earth passes through the cloud of particles left by this comet in its orbit, tiny fragments (some no bigger than a grain of sand!) enter our atmosphere at lightning speed. As they disintegrate, they create those glowing trails that inspire us to make a wish.
When to watch?
In 2026, the peak activity will take place between the nights of August 11th and 13th. The good news is that this year the Moon will be in a favorable phase, giving us a perfectly dark sky to spot even the smallest stars.
“Neowise Comet Wisconsin” by WI-Photos, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication
Golden rules for a great observer
To enjoy the show like a pro, forget the telescopes and follow these tips:
- Seek the darkness: Light pollution is your enemy. Get away from the city center lights.
- Visual patience: Your eyes need about 20 minutes to adjust to total darkness. During that time, no looking at your phone screen!
- Comfort is key: A blanket on the ground or a beach chair are your best friends. The secret is to lie down and look straight up.
Where to go? The best “spots”
If you are at one of our locations, here are the best places to go with your classmates:
In Málaga
- Montes de Málaga: The ideal refuge just a step away from the city. There are several viewpoints where the sky looks spectacular.
- El Torcal de Antequera: If you have a car, this karst rock landscape feels like another planet. It is, without a doubt, one of the best skies in Andalusia.
In Madrid
- La Pedriza: Located in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is the favorite meeting point for those seeking fresh air and darkness.
- Pantano de San Juan: A different option to see the stars reflected on the water.
“Perseids 2015” by mLu.fotos, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
A detail to remember
In Spain, it is a tradition to make a wish for every star you see crossing the sky. As future experts in tourism and events, remember that astrotourism is an incredible way to connect with a destination. We are not just looking at lights; we are creating memories.
And you? Have you already thought of your wish for this year?
“1Picture of space from the northern hemisphere” by Los Perros pueden Cocinar, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
