The Montsec Astronomical Park, a window to observe the universe in summer

In summer, many people look to the sky to see if it will be sunny and decide whether or not to go to the beach, but others prefer to look much further afield. Astronomy enthusiasts, or those simply curious, can continue to enjoy observing planets and stars during these days in an ideal space: the Montsec Astronomical Park (PAM), in Àger (La Noguera).

The PAM, managed by the Catalan Railways (FGC), does not close for holidays and continues to offer numerous outdoor activities for all audiences, both during the day and at night. It is considered the most important astronomy facility in Catalonia and has also become a benchmark in the teaching and dissemination of space and universe sciences, with the visits and courses it organizes for schoolchildren. Its location, in the Montsec mountain range, is privileged. The low rainfall, minimal light pollution, and altitude make this area the ideal location for the installation of a world-class center for astronomy.

Three seasons ago, the Montsec Astronomical Park unanimously won the 2020 Starlight Award in the category of education and dissemination of astronomy and dark skies. This award is in addition to the Platinum Dark Sky ambassador status of the International Astronomical Union, which it received in 2019. Furthermore, the Montsec mountain range is the second place in the world to receive the dual certification of Starlight Reserve and Tourist Destination, in 2013, which is endorsed by UNESCO.

For adults and children

The center offers visitors four types of experiences: two daytime experiences—one for general visitors and one for families and children—and two nighttime experiences—also one for general visitors and one for families with children. In all of these experiences, participants, guided by an astronomer, will visit the three facilities at the PAM, view exhibits, and make observations with telescopes, allowing them to see the sky closer than ever before. You can check schedules and purchase tickets on the Park's website. parcastronomic.cat.

The park has three main facilities. One is the Central Building, which houses the permanent interactive exhibition dedicated to astronomy and space sciences. Another is the so-called Eye of Montsec, a digital planetarium equipped with a 3D projection system. dome leaf (or full dome) that allows the recreation of both the current sky and that of any era. This facility also serves as a platform for live sky observation, with its 12-meter diameter dome.

Finally, the third facility is the Telescope Park, a space reserved for observing the sky, both day and night. It consists of three buildings with astronomical domes and space for the installation of the Astronomical Institute's portable telescopes.

Music and the XI Astronomy Festival

Apart from these experiences, the PAM also offers, one more year, from June to November, the cycle Music under the Stars, nighttime visits to the park that feature musical performances by Catalan groups and singer-songwriters as a coda. The next concerts will be by Kelly Isaiah (August 30) and Manu Guix (September 13). This initiative is the result of a collaboration with the Institute of Lleida Studies, the Lleida Provincial Council, and the Casa de la Música Tierras de Lleida - Orfeó Lleidatà.

Looking ahead to autumn, in October, one of the highlights will be the Astronomy Festival, which this year celebrates its 11th edition and will be dedicated to the Catalan astronomer Assumpció Català Poch, the first female astronomy professor in Spain, on the occasion of the centenary of her birth. The PAM (Spanish Association of Astronomy and Astronomy) already recognized this pioneer, who died in 2009, with the central event for her centenary, held in July. The center also pays tribute to this astronomer every day because its largest telescope bears her name.