THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Star gazing in Morocco

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Star gazing in Morocco

The stars above the Draa (click to enlarge)

Star gazing is not one of the things that immediately springs to mind when one thinks of Morocco. However, it is an ideal destination because although most of us live in areas with high population density and light pollution which obstruct the natural starry sky, there are areas in Morocco where there are no city lights.

Recently The View from Fez discovered an observatory located at the end of the Draa Valley near the small town of Tamegroute (Zagora) on the edge of the Moroccan Sahara. The observatory, situated on the roof of the Kasbah Hotel SaharaSky is the first private astronomical observatory in North Africa. Their optical equipment is impressive, including Schmidt-Cassegrain and Ritchey Chretien telescopes with up to 16 inches (400mm) aperture.

The owner, Fritz Gerd Koring, is serious about astronomy and knows exactly what people need to maximise the potential of his equipment. The observation deck is 400m² providing a full panoramic 360° view. Lights in the hotel can be turned off while viewing and laptops and your own equipment can all be catered for.

In case you do not have experience with telescopes, the proficient staff will gladly assist your star trek through sections of the crystal-clear sky above with countless stars, galaxies, nebula, and, of course, the solar system objects.

From the southerly vantage of +30° latitude you will be able to see constellations of the southern hemisphere which are out of range in central or northern Europe. The View from Fez intends to visit again soon and hopefully bring you more about this unusual Moroccan destination.