The Little Telescope Canarias Project
A project to bring astronomy to the public
The Little Telescope Canarias project aims to share the wonders of the universe with the general public by capturing and disseminating stunning images of the cosmos. To this end, we operate a semi-professional observatory in an area renowned for its suitability for astronomical observation, situated just 5 km from world-class professional observatories. The exceptionally clear and dark skies at this location are ideal for acquiring high-quality images of nebulae, galaxies, planets and other celestial bodies.
Cosmic Images Within Everyone’s Reach
One of the key aims of our project is producing and sharing high-resolution astronomical images. Using advanced astrophotography technology, we capture the beauty of the universe and share it with everyone through exhibitions, social media, educational materials and specialised publications. Our goal is to inspire people of all ages to marvel at the cosmos and to raise awareness of the importance of astronomy in our lives.
If you want to take your observations to the next level, you can rent our semi-professional observatory. Designed for amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and science enthusiasts, this option allows you to capture your own images of the celestial sphere using top-tier equipment. Our observatory is equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes and cameras, enabling the acquisition of high-quality data for personal or research projects.
A Unique Sky for Astronomy
The location of our observatory is one of its greatest attractions. Thanks to its low light pollution, atmospheric stability and altitude, it is situated in one of the world’s most privileged regions for astronomical observation. These factors make it an ideal place to capture sharp, detailed images of the cosmos that are comparable to those obtained in professional observatories.
Privileged location
The island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands (Spain), is internationally recognized as one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation. Here is a description with real data that justify this reputation:
🌌 Characteristics of the sky of La Palma.
1. Altitude and geographical location:
The Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) is located at 2,396 meters above sea level.
The island is close to the Tropic of Cancer, which allows observing both the northern hemisphere sky and part of the southern hemisphere.
2. Dark skies and legal protection:
La Palma was one of the first regions in the world to implement a Sky Law (Law 31/1988), which regulates light, aerial and radioelectric pollution.
A large part of the territory is protected by the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
3. Atmospheric transparency and seeing:
The sky is usually above the thermal inversion layer, which minimizes turbulence and humidity.
Typical seeing values (astronomical image quality) are 0.6 to 0.9 arcseconds, which is excellent.
More than 300 clear nights per year, many with very low relative humidity.
4. Measured sky quality (actual data):
SQM (Sky Quality Meter): values between 21.7 and 22.0 mag/arcsec² on moonless nights, indicating extremely dark skies.
Atmospheric transparency: very high, thanks to low pollution and air stability.
Thanks to these conditions, La Palma is home to world-class telescopes such as the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), the largest optical telescope in the world with a 10.4 m primary mirror.
Our goal is to create an educational and cultural impact, beyond simply capturing images. To this end, we organise outreach activities such as talks, workshops and guided observations, bringing astronomy closer to the community. We believe that sharing knowledge about the universe fosters scientific curiosity and inspires future generations to pursue careers in science.
The Universe Awaits You!
Our project aims to connect people with the majesty of the cosmos by providing them with breathtaking images and unforgettable experiences. Admire spectacular photographs, participate in educational activities or use our observatory for your own observations — everyone is invited to be part of this astronomical adventure!
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the universe, now is the time!