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ARCHIVED - Lyrid meteor shower lights up the sky in Murcia, Spain this week
The breathtaking celestial event is set to peak in the Murcia Region on April 22
The Region of Murcia and the rest of Spain will be treated to a truly breathtaking sight when the Lyrid meteor shower streaks across the sky at its peak time, on Friday night, April 22 into the early hours of Saturday morning.
The last meteor shower, the Quadrantids, occurred on January 2, so stargazers are eagerly awaiting this latest celestial event, which just so happens to coincide with Earth Day this year.
The Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest in history, dating back approximately 2,700 years, and occurs as a result of particles shed from Comet 1861 G1 Thatcher while it passes through our solar system.
Lyrid meteors radiate from the constellation Lyra in the northeastern sky, which is where the shower gets its name, but the shooting stars can be visible in any part of the sky.
The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to produce spectacular bursts of around 20 shooting stars every hour but the display has often surpassed 100: particularly heavy showers graced the skies of Greece in 1922, Japan in 1945 and the US in 1982.
Unfortunately, this year the arrival of the Lyrid shower coincides with a full moon which will make it a little more difficult to see, and the key to enjoying this night with the stars is to get away from the harsh lights of built-up areas if at all possible.
The beauty of the Lyrid meteor shower, however, is that the brightness of the shooting stars remains constant from the time they enter our atmosphere until they disappear, making them very easy to spot.
A perfect sport to take a tour of the cosmos in the Region of Murcia is at the Finca Astronómica in the Campo de Cartagena, which offers evening observations complete with bonfire and tapas, as well as day-time sun observations. Not only can the whole family enjoy guided tours of the solar system, but the Finca can also be hired out for private functions such as birthday parties.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Address
Casas del Puente 3, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain, 30397Tel: +34 623 140 902
The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages
Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.
Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.
At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.
The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.
By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.
To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with 
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.
The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.
What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.
This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.
But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.
This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.
Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268
