Summer and Winter Parts of Milky Way in a VR 360º Immersive Starry Scene
An all sky and 360º Virtual Reality scene captured at the end of Summer season from Natural Park of Noudar, in Dark Sky® Alqueva territory, shows a mosaic made of single shots with a galactic arch shinning above the Noudar quiet house and fields. The arch itself is featuring the core of “Summer Milky Way” which is gradually disappearing in the western horizon due to the time of the year, while in the opposite direction of the arch (left side), in the Eastern sky, the “Winter Milky Way” is start to appearing with Pleiades star cluster rising above the horizon. Summer Triangle is still highlighting the center of the all sky image. Left center – in the beginning of the Milky Way faintest path – a bright elliptic and diffuse dot belongs to Andromeda Galaxy and below it, is also visible an even fainter light coming from Triangle galaxy. Lower center, close to the horizon and above the house roof, shows the bright light from planet Jupiter. The background sky is also featuring the greenish presence of airglow. Captured with a Sony A7sIII at ISO8000 Exp: 5 secs for each image of the mosaic with a G master lens 24mm f/1.4. Below is available two Virtual Realities 360º of this scene. You can experience a full 7K resolution using your desktop, or smartphone with gyroscope. A great “in loco” experience can be achieved if you wear a VR glasses.
PT: Um cenário nocturno estrelado captado no final do Verão a partir do Parque de Natureza de Noudar, no território Dark Sky® Alqueva, mostra a versão all sky e de Realidade Virtual 360º de um mosaico de disparos únicos com o arco galáctico brilhando sobre a casa do Parque de Noudar. O próprio arco apresenta o núcleo da “Via Láctea de Verão” que parece desaparecer gradualmente no horizonte ocidental devido à época do ano, enquanto na direção oposta do arco (lado esquerdo), no céu oriental, a “ Via Láctea de Inverno” começa a aparecer com o aglomerado de estrelas Pleiades visível acima do horizonte. O Triângulo de Verão ainda se consegue destacar na zona central desta visão all sky. No centro esquerdo – no início do caminho mais fraco da Via Láctea – um ponto elíptico e difuso brilhante pertence à Galáxia de Andrómeda e abaixo desta, também se encontra visível uma luz ainda mais fraca provninente da galáxia do Triângulo. O centro inferior, próximo ao horizonte e acima do telhado da casa, mostra a luz brilhante do planeta Júpiter. O céu de fundo também revela a presença esverdeada do airglow – luminescência fotoquímica da atmosfera. Imagens captadas com uma Sony A7sIII a ISO8000 Exp: 5seg para cada imagem do mosaico objectiva G master 24mm f/1.4. O leitor pode assim experienciar esta Realidade Virtual em alta-resolução 7K usando o seu desktop ou smartphone com giroscópio. Uma ótima experiência “in loco” pode ser alcançada se usar óculos de realidade virtual.
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You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
A Galactic Arch is Featuring the Summer and Winter Parts of Milky Way in a Panoramic Scene
A starry night scene captured at the end of Summer season from Natural Park of Noudar, in Dark Sky® Alqueva territory, shows a mosaic made of single shots with a galactic arch shinning above the Noudar quiet house and fields. The arch itself is featuring the core of “Summer Milky Way” which is gradually disappearing in the western horizon due to the time of the year, while in the opposite direction of the arch (left side), in the Eastern sky, the “Winter Milky Way” is start to appearing with Pleiades star cluster rising above the horizon. Summer Triangle is still highlighting the center of the image, with bluish star Vega near the top edge. Left center – in the beginning of the Milky Way faintest path – a bright elliptic and diffuse dot belongs to Andromeda Galaxy and below it, is also visible an even fainter light coming from Triangle galaxy. Lower center, close to the horizon and above the house roof, shows the bright light from planet Jupiter. The background sky is also featuring the greenish presence of airglow. Captured with a Sony A7sIII at ISO8000 Exp: 5 secs for each image of the mosaic with a G master lens 24mm f/1.4.
PT: Um cenário nocturno estrelado captado no final do Verão a partir do Parque de Natureza de Noudar, no território Dark Sky® Alqueva, mostra um mosaico de disparos únicos com o arco galáctico brilhando sobre a casa do Parque de Noudar. O próprio arco apresenta o núcleo da “Via Láctea de Verão” que parece desaparecer gradualmente no horizonte ocidental devido à época do ano, enquanto na direção oposta do arco (lado esquerdo), no céu oriental, a “ Via Láctea de Inverno” começa a aparecer com o aglomerado de estrelas Pleiades visível acima do horizonte. O Triângulo de Verão ainda se consegue destacar ao centro, com a estrela azulada Vega perto do limite superior da imagem. No centro esquerdo – no início do caminho mais fraco da Via Láctea – um ponto elíptico e difuso brilhante pertence à Galáxia de Andrómeda e abaixo desta, também se encontra visível uma luz ainda mais fraca provninente da galáxia do Triângulo. O centro inferior, próximo ao horizonte e acima do telhado da casa, mostra a luz brilhante do planeta Júpiter. O céu de fundo também revela a presença esverdeada do airglow – luminescência fotoquímica da atmosfera. Imagens captadas com uma Sony A7sIII a ISO8000 Exp: 5seg para cada imagem do mosaico objectiva G master 24mm f/1.4
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Buy a Fine Art Print or Wall Decor of this Image – Make your order Now!
You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
A Medieval Cosmic Portal With Straight Access to the Summer Triangle
Using some “sci fi” imagination, this vertical mosaic of single images shows what could be the entrance of a cosmic portal, with straight access to the Summer Triangle. The image shows the stairs of Noudar Castle tower, a medieval fortress located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers, in Barrancos, most eastern part from Dark Sky® Alqueva territory, Portugal. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defences, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality. This fortress was very important for border defence against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century. Above the tower walls, lies a well known asterism called Summer Triangle and shinning against the magnificent dusty path of our Milky Way galaxy. At centres top, a pink/red emission from North America Nebula (NGC7000) glows near Deneb star (from Cygnus constellation). Below and near the right edge, shines the bluish star Vega, (from Lyra constellation) which is forming a perfect triangle with star Altair (from Aquila constellation), visible very close to the top tower.
PT: Usando um pouco da imaginação “sci fi”, este mosaico vertical de single frames mostra o que poderia ser a entrada de um portal cósmico, com acesso directo ao Triângulo de Verão. A imagem revela a escadaria da torre do Castelo de Noudar, uma construção medieval situada entre os rios Múrtega e Ardila, em Barrancos, na parte nordeste do território Dark Sky® Alqueva, Portugal. A sua construção terminou em 1307, durante o reinado de D. Dinis. O local foi escolhido devido às suas defesas naturais, fácil acesso e proximidade de uma nascente de água de excelente qualidade. Esta fortaleza medieval foi muito importante para a defesa da fronteira contra o reino de Castela no início do século XIV. Acima das muralhas da torre, encontra-se um asterismo conhecido como Triângulo de Verão, brilhando contra a magnífica presença da nossa galáxia, a Via Láctea. No topo central, é visível uma emissão rosa-avermelhada pertencente à Nebulosa da América do Norte (NGC7000) que brilha perto da estrela Deneb (constelação do Cisne). Abaixo e próxima à lateral direita, brilha a estrela azulada Vega, (da constelação Lira) que forma assim um triângulo perfeito com a estrela Altair (da constelação da Águia), visível ao centro e muito perto do topo da torre.
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Buy a Fine Art Print or Wall Decor of this Image – Make your order Now!
You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
A Galactic Arch is Featuring the Summer and Winter Parts of Milky Way above a Dead Tree
A starry night scene captured at the end of Summer season from Natural Park of Noudar, in Dark Sky Alqueva territory, shows a mosaic image of a galactic arch above a dead tree. The arch itself is featuring from left to right, a “Summer Milky Way” which is gradually disappearing in the western horizon due to the time of the year. While in the opposite direction of the arch, in the Eastern sky, the “Winter Milky Way” is start to appearing with Auriga and Taurus constellation shinning bright. While stars from Summer Triangle are getting low – left side of the sky, the blueish star cluster of Pleiades is gradually getting high, as seen on the right side of the image.
Nostalgia – A Mesmerizing View that Can be Lost Forever
With the Summer ending in Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to say goodbye to our Milky Way, at least to the brightest colorful dusty heart of our galaxy. For those of us who loves spending entire nights outside watching and enjoying the night sky, it can leads to a feeling of Nostalgia, but its just a matter of time regarding the natural motion of our planet orbiting the sun, and you know that you will get back again to this amazing views within six months. Although, if we not take care and face the increasing light pollution as a serious problem of nowadays, in a near future, a vision like that could be only achieved through a photograph of a remote reality, leading to a permanent lost of the night sky, as it has to be… beautiful starry and deeply dark!.
PT: Com o verão a terminar no Hemisfério Norte, é hora de dizer adeus à nossa Via Láctea, pelo menos ao coração poeirento e colorido que “jaz” no centro da galáxia. Para aqueles de nós que adoram passar noites inteiras ao relento e apenas a contemplar o céu noturno, este adeus pode levar a um sentimento de Nostalgia ou numa singular palavra portuguesa, Saudade! Mas será apenas uma questão de tempo decorrente do movimento natural do nosso planeta em orbtia do sol, até podermos voltar a ter acesso novamente a estas vistas incríveis, numa expectável espera de cerca de seis meses. No entanto, se não tomarmos as devidas precauções e encararmos a crescente poluição luminosa como um grave problema dos dias de hoje, em um futuro próximo, uma visão como essa só poderá ser alcançada através da fotografia de uma realidade remota, levando a uma perda permanente do céu noturno, como supostamente deveria ser… lindamente estrelado e profundamente escuro!
Astrophotography Workshops with Miguel Claro – While Sharing Knowledge, Have Fun and Enjoy a Wonderful Night Sky
Sharing knowledge and learning something we love to do, is one of the best pleasures in the world! Specially, when doing it with a wonderful and kind group of enthusiastic participants, that shares the same passion about the shooting the night sky. The image features a group photo with my students at the end of my workshop of astrophotography, presented in Natural Park of Noudar, in Barrancos, located in the award winning @darkskyalqueva reserve, Portugal. Behind us is standing the core of our galaxy. If you would like to join one of my WORKSHOPS, for groups or as a Private experience, please visit my page Workshops and contact me for more informations.
PT: Partilhar o conhecimento ou aprender algo que gostamos de fazer é um dos melhores prazeres do mundo! Especialmente, se o fizermos com um grupo maravilhoso e simpático de entusiásticos participantes, que partilha dessa mesma paixão e fascínio por fotografar os encantos do céu noturno. A imagem revela uma foto de grupo com meus alunos captada no final do meu workshop anual de astrofotografia, apresentado no Parque de Natureza de Noudar, em Barrancos, localizado na premiada reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, em Portugal. Atrás de nós está o núcleo da nossa galáxia, a Via Láctea. Se gostaria de participar num dos meus workshops, e aprender tudo sobre a fotografia nocturna e as téncias mais avançadas, seja numa experiência de grupo ou como um workshop Privado one-to-one, visite minha página WORKSHOPS e entre em contato comigo para obter mais informações.
Under the Nature Our Roof is the Universe
Being under a starry sky always fascinated me since I was a child. Specially, when I was trying to reach the stars, setting my foots on the floor, just extending my arm while I was feeling and thinking in the fact that there is nothing separating us from outer space. Under the nature our roof is indeed the Universe itself and the most exciting thing, is the knowledge that let us know that we are an important part of it! The image shows a Milky Way rising in the background over Noudar Park, in Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Portugal.
PT: Estar sob um céu estrelado sempre me fascinou desde que eu era criança. Especialmente, quando eu tentava alcançar as estrelas colocando os meus pés no chão, e estendendo o meu braço enquanto sentia e pensava no facto de que não há nada a separar-nos do espaço sideral acima. Sob a natureza, o nosso telhado é de facto o próprio Universo e a coisa mais excitante é o conhecimento que nos deixa saber que somos uma parte importante dele! A imagem mostra uma Via Láctea a nascer em pano de fundo, acima do Parque de Natureza de Noudar, na Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, em Portugal.
Under the Darkness the Sky is Anything but Black
Our eyes are not so good in distinguish colors under the darkness, but a simple DSLR camera can show us that the Universe is anything but black. The scene above captured from Noudar Park, in Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, shows a colorful star field around the bright arm of the Milky Way also visible in the background behind a thin layer of clouds. Each color is directly related to the type and temperature of each star in a range that could features blue, white, yellow or even orange hues. The hottest stars, are showing a blue color, but in opposition, the coolest can reveal an orange-reddish color. The “Christmas balls” that seems to adorn this old olive tree in the foreground, are not only stars, but also planets, Like Mars and Saturn, shinning bright in the center of the tree in yellow-orange and white.
PT: Os nossos olhos não são muito bons a distinguir cores na escuridão da noite, mas uma simples câmara DSLR pode revelar-nos que o Universo é tudo menos preto. A cena acima captada no Parque de Noudar, Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, mostra-nos um colorido campo de estrelas ao redor do braço brilhante da Via Láctea, também visível em pano de fundo e envolta numa fina camada de nuvens. Cada cor está diretamente relacionada com o tipo e temperatura de cada estrela em um intervalo que pode apresentar tonalidades de azul, branco, amarelo ou até laranja. As estrelas mais quentes revelam uma cor azul, mas em oposição, as estrelas mais frias podem revelar uma cor laranja-avermelhada. As “bolas de Natal” que parecem enfeitar esta velha oliveira em primeiro plano, não são apenas estrelas, mas também planetas, como Marte e Saturno, brilhando ao centro da árvore numa tonalidade amarelo-alaranjado e branco.
Milky Way Rising Over Noudar Park
The image and short time lapse clip shows the Milky Way rising over Noudar Park, in Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Portugal.
PT: A Na imagem acima é possível ver o nascer da Via Láctea por detrás da paisagem do Parque de Natureza de Noudar.
A Colorful Universe Revealed in the Earth Motion
When we first look at the night sky, we can not distinguish the color of each star with our own eyes, although, if we record in a long exposure sequence the path of each star, due to the motion of rotating Earth and consequently the rotation of celestial sphere, a starry trailed sky can reveal much of our colorful Universe. In the image above, captured in Noudar Park, Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Portugal, we can see a lot of different color paths, like: blue, white, yellow or even orange. Each color is directly related to the type and temperature of each star. The hottest stars, are showing a blue color, but in opposition the coolest, can reveal an orange-reddish color.
In astronomy, stellar classification is the classification of stars based on their spectral characteristics. Electromagnetic radiation from the star is analyzed by splitting it with a prism or diffraction grating into a spectrum exhibiting the rainbow of colors interspersed with absorption lines. Each line indicates an ion of a certain chemical element, with the line strength indicating the abundance of that ion. The relative abundance of the different ions varies with the temperature of the photosphere. The spectral class of a star is a short code summarizing the ionization state, giving an objective measure of the photosphere’s temperature and density.
Most stars are currently classified under the Morgan–Keenan (MK) system using the letters O, B, A, F, G, K, and M, a sequence from the hottest (O type – blue stars) to the coolest (M type – red stars). Each letter class is then subdivided using a numeric digit with 0 being hottest and 9 being coolest (e.g. A8, A9, F0, F1 form a sequence from hotter to cooler). The sequence has been expanded with classes for other stars and star-like objects that do not fit in the classical system, such as class D for white dwarfs and class C for carbon stars.
In the MK system, a luminosity class is added to the spectral class using Roman numerals. This is based on the width of certain absorption lines in the star’s spectrum, which vary with the density of the atmosphere and so distinguish giant stars from dwarfs. Luminosity class 0 or Ia+ stars for hypergiants, class I stars for supergiants, class II for bright giants, class III for regular giants, class IV for sub-giants, class V for main-sequence stars, class sd for sub-dwarfs, and class D for white dwarfs. The full spectral class for the Sun is then G2V, indicating a main-sequence star with a temperature around 5,800 K. Source and more info: click here.
PT: Quando de noite olhamos para o céu não conseguimos percepcionar com os nossos próprios olhos a cor de cada estrela, no entanto, se registarmos numa sequência de longa exposição o rasto de cada estrela, devido ao movimento de rotação da Terra e à consequente rotação da esfera celeste, uma imagem startrail poderá revelar um Universo colorido e rico em informação. Na imagem acima captada no Parque de Natureza de Noudar, Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, em Barrancos, podemos ver uma grande diversidade de cores desde o azul, ao amarelo, branco ou laranja. Cada cor está directamente relacionada com o tipo e temperatura de cada estrela. Algumas delas são mais quentes e por isso apresentam uma cor mais azulada, outras por sua vez são mais frias apresentando uma cor mais alaranjada.
A Galactic Tree Under the Stars
A path of light illuminates the foreground behind a dead tree that by illusion, seems to be part of the galactic arm of our Milky Way galaxy. This magical and charm scenario under the stars was captured in Noudar Park, Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Barrancos.
PT: Um caminho de luz ilumina o primeiro plano por detrás de uma árvore morta que, por ilusão, parece fazer parte do braço galáctico da nossa Via Láctea. Este cenário mágico e de encanto sob a luz das estrelas foi captado no Parque de Natureza de Noudar, Dark Sky® Alqueva, Barrancos.
Skywatcher Observing the Largest and Strongest Sunspot in a Decade
On this carefully planned single shot taken on September 7 with a telephoto lens at 600mm, 2,1km away from the Castle of Noudar Park, in Portugal, a skywatcher can be seen observing with its filtered binoculars the majestic group of sunspots (AR 2679; AR2674 and AR2673) well visible in the Sun´s disk just a few minutes before the sun going down behind the castle. On Sept. 6th at 1202 UT, the sunspot AR2673 – so large and wide as our entire planet Earth – (seen at the right side of the man´s silhouette) unleashed a major X9.3-class solar flare, the strongest solar flare in more than a decade. X-rays and UV radiation from the blast ionized the top of Earth’s atmosphere, causing a strong shortwave radio blackout over Europe, Africa and the Atlantic Ocean. The debris from Wednesday’s monster X9-class solar flare reached Earth last night, and its impact produced a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, near the village of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
PT: Este disparo único cuidadosamente planeado, captado no Parque de Natureza de Noudar a 2,1 km de distância do Castelo e onde podemos ver a silhueta humano de um amigo (Fernando Formiga), enquanto observava com seus binóculos filtrados o majestoso grupo de manchas solares (AR 2679; AR2674 e AR2673) bem visíveis no disco do Sol enquanto este se punha atrás do castelo. No passado dia 6 de setembro, a mancha solar AR2673 – tão grande e ampla quanto o planeta Terra – (vista à direita da silhueta) desencadeou um grande Flare Solar de classe X9.3, a explosão solar mais forte em mais de uma década. Os raios-X e a radiação UV da explosão ionizaram o topo da atmosfera terrestre, causando um forte apagão de rádio de ondas curtas sobre a Europa, África e o Oceano Atlântico. As partículas carregadas decorrentes da explosão solar da passada quarta-feira chegaram à Terra na noite passada, e seu impacto produziu uma tempestade geo magnética de classe G4, classificada como grave. Isto é, auroraras boreais muito intensas que poderão ser visíveis até de Nova Iorque.
Um pequeno “behind the scenes” feito com o iphone foi partilhado na minha página pública e pode ser visto aqui.
Dreaming Sphere
A path of light illuminates our land on Earth, but in the same way, a light cloud of gas and dust is shining bright and high in the sky of this full dome view. In the foreground, a dead tree is standing below the gigantic arc of our galaxy, the Milky Way. This “dreaming sphere” was captured in Noudar Park, Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Barrancos.
PT: Um caminho de luz ilumina a Terra, enquanto simultaneamente uma nuvem luminosa de gás e poeira cósmica brilha alto no céu desta visão “full dome”. Em primeiro plano, uma árvore morta mantém-se erguida abaixo do gigantesco arco galáctico da Via Láctea. Esta “esfera de sonhos” foi captada no Parque de Natureza de Noudar, em Barrancos, na Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva.
Colorful Night Sky – A Stellar Spectrum
When we first look at the night sky, we can not distinguish the color of each star with our own eyes, although, if we record in a long exposure sequence the path of each star, due to the motion of rotating Earth and consequently the rotation of celestial sphere, a starry trailed sky can reveal much of our colorful Universe. In the image above, captured in Noudar Park, Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Portugal, we can see a lot of different color paths, like: blue, yellow, white or orange. Each color is directly related to the type and temperature of each star. Some of them are hottest, like Alfirk, in Cepheus constellation, and some are coolest like Eltanin, in Draco.
In astronomy, stellar classification is the classification of stars based on their spectral characteristics. Electromagnetic radiation from the star is analyzed by splitting it with a prism or diffraction grating into a spectrum exhibiting the rainbow of colors interspersed with absorption lines. Each line indicates an ion of a certain chemical element, with the line strength indicating the abundance of that ion. The relative abundance of the different ions varies with the temperature of the photosphere. The spectral class of a star is a short code summarizing the ionization state, giving an objective measure of the photosphere’s temperature and density.
Most stars are currently classified under the Morgan–Keenan (MK) system using the letters O, B, A, F, G, K, and M, a sequence from the hottest (O type – blue stars) to the coolest (M type – red stars). Each letter class is then subdivided using a numeric digit with 0 being hottest and 9 being coolest (e.g. A8, A9, F0, F1 form a sequence from hotter to cooler). The sequence has been expanded with classes for other stars and star-like objects that do not fit in the classical system, such as class D for white dwarfs and class C for carbon stars.
In the MK system, a luminosity class is added to the spectral class using Roman numerals. This is based on the width of certain absorption lines in the star’s spectrum, which vary with the density of the atmosphere and so distinguish giant stars from dwarfs. Luminosity class 0 or Ia+ stars for hypergiants, class I stars for supergiants, class II for bright giants, class III for regular giants, class IV for sub-giants, class V for main-sequence stars, class sd for sub-dwarfs, and class D for white dwarfs. The full spectral class for the Sun is then G2V, indicating a main-sequence star with a temperature around 5,800 K. Source and more info: click here.
PT: Quando de noite olhamos para o céu não conseguimos percepcionar com os nossos próprios olhos a cor de cada estrela, no entanto, se registarmos numa sequência de longa exposição o rasto de cada estrela, devido ao movimento de rotação da Terra e à consequente rotação da esfera celeste, uma imagem startrail poderá revelar um Universo colorido e rico em informação. Na imagem acima captada no Parque de Natureza de Noudar, Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, em Barrancos, podemos ver uma grande diversidade de cores desde o azul, ao amarelo, branco ou laranja. Cada cor está directamente relacionada com o tipo e temperatura de cada estrela. Algumas delas são mais quentes, como Alfirk, na constelação do Cefeu, e outras são mais frias como Eltanin, no Dragão.
Perseids in Noudar Park
Some meteors from Perseids shower captured one week before the peak predicted to 12 August, above the landscape of Noudar Park, in Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Barrancos. In the foreground an Olive Tree is at the left side of Milky Way.
PT: Alguns meteoros captados uma semana antes do pico máximo da chuva de estrelas anual das Perseidas, previsto para 12 de Agosto. Acima deles, é possível ver o céu do Parque de Natureza de Noudar, em Barrancos, Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva. No primeiro plano, uma oliveira destaca-se do horizonte à esquerda da imponente presença da Via Láctea.
Waking Dream in the Magical Castle of Noudar
EN: At dawn the stars disappear, only the Moon survives and the sky becomes the canvas that will receive the brushstrokes of vivid colors and nuances that only the mastery of nature, can produce | Sky of Barrancos
PT: Ao amanhecer as estrelas perdem-se, só a Lua sobrevive e o céu torna-se a tela que recebes as pinceladas de cores vivas e nuances que só a mestria da natureza consegue produzir | Céu de Barrancos
Olive Trees from the Universe
EN: The Milky Way, our own galaxy as seen from Earth and Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve, above an olive tree in a tonal nuance that characterizes different nights of the year, allowing to show that the same celestial object is never seen in the same way, without losing the particular beauty that characterizes it and makes us dreaming with the magic and charm of a scenario under the stars | Mourão and Barrancos, Sky of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve
PT: A Via Láctea, a nossa própria galáxia vista a partir da Terra e da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, acima de uma oliveira, com as nuances tonais que caracterizam as diferentes noites do ano, permitindo que o mesmo objecto celeste nunca seja visto da mesma forma, sem nunca perder a particular beleza que o caracteriza e nos faz sonhar com a magia e encanto de um cenário à luz das estrelas | Mourão e Barrancos, Céu da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva
Olive Trees and Milky Way above Noudar Park
EN: The Milky Way above the Noudar Park | Sky of Barrancos
PT: A Via Láctea acima do Parque de Noudar | Céu de Barrancos
The Dark Sky “Planet”
EN: An “All Sky” view revealing the arm and center of Milky Way above the olive trees, that so well characterizes the Alentejo region as well as the quality of its olive oil | Sky Barrancos
PT: Um “All Sky” revelando o braço e centro da Via Láctea acima das oliveiras que tão bem caracterizam a região do Alentejo e a qualidade do seu Azeite daí proveniente | Céu de Barrancos
Milky Way Arm in the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve
The beauty of the entire arched arm of Milky Way as seen from the northern hemisphere, a panoramic view that rises above the lands included on the route of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve. Nature Park of Noudar | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Polar Startrail in the Arms of a Noudar Tree
EN: Tracking deeply the stars simultaneously revealing the different brightness intensity and color of each star that lies around the North Star Polaris, which is 0.7 degrees fom the true north. If our ancestors who braved storms in uncharted waters to prove that the earth was really round, had the opportunity to make a simple photograph like that, then would have the living proof that the Earth was round without having run that risk, thus prove the curvature of stellar trails | Sky of Barrancos
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: Rasto de estrelas profundo, revelando simultaneamente as diferentes intensidades de brilho e cor de cada uma das estrelas que se encontra a circundar a Estrela Polar, que se encontra a 0,7 graus do Norte real. Se os nossos antepassados que enfrentaram intempéries nos mares nunca dantes navegados para provar que a terra era redonda, tivessem a oportunidade de fazer uma simples fotografia destas nessa altura, teriam a prova viva que a Terra era redonda sem precisar de ter corrido esse risco, assim comprova a curvatura dos traços estelares | Céu de Barrancos
Lying on the Milky Way Arms
A tree lying on the Milky Way arm. Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: Uma árvore que se percepita sobre os braços da Via Láctea | Parque de Noudar, Céu de Barrancos
Dragged Milky Way in the Church of Noudar
A dragged Milky Way behind the Church of Noudar Castle, called: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Desterro.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
* This “comet effect” in the stars is not natural and not visible in the sky and it is only showed here for an artistic purpose.
PT: O arrasto da Via Láctea na igreja de Noudar, numa última aparição em forma de despedida antes de dar início o inverno | Céu de Barrancos
The Milky Way behind an Olive Tree in Noudar Park
EN: Our own galaxy as seen from the land of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve, behind an Olive Tree from Noudar Park, in a tonal nuance that characterizes different nights of the year, allowing to show that the same celestial object is never seen in the same way, without losing the particular beauty that characterizes it and makes us dreaming with the magic and charm of a scenario under the stars | Mourão and Barrancos, Sky of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: Visão da Via Láctea, a nossa própria galáxia vista a partir da Terra e da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva nas nuances tonais que caracterizam as diferentes noites do ano, permitindo que o mesmo objecto celeste nunca seja visto da mesma forma, sem nunca perder a particular beleza que o caracteriza e nos faz sonhar com a magia e encanto de um cenário à luz das estrelas | Mourão e Barrancos, Céu da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva
Reaching the Sky above the Land
EN: The small size of our human presence against the greatness of the Cosmos, in a game of scales in which the loftiness of the Milky Way rises steeply above the Noudar Castle | Sky of Barrancos.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: A pequena dimensão das nossa presença humana diante a grandeza do Cosmos, num jogo de escalas em que a imponência da Via Láctea se ergue vertiginosamente acima do Castelo de Noudar | Céu de Barrancos
The Arm of Milky Way behind an Olive Tree in Noudar Park
EN: Vertical vision of the Milky Way, our own galaxy as seen from Earth and Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve in a tonal nuance that characterizes different nights of the year, allowing to show that the same celestial object is never seen in the same way, without losing the particular beauty that characterizes it and makes us dreaming with the magic and charm of a scenario under the stars | Mourão and Barrancos, Sky of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com | Canon 60Da – ISO2500 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 – Taken in 19/10/2014 at 22h23m.
PT: Visão vertical da Via Láctea, a nossa própria galáxia vista a partir da Terra e da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva nas nuances tonais que caracterizam as diferentes noites do ano, permitindo que o mesmo objecto celeste nunca seja visto da mesma forma, sem nunca perder a particular beleza que o caracteriza e nos faz sonhar com a magia e encanto de um cenário à luz das estrelas | Mourão e Barrancos, Céu da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva
Around the Tower of Noudar Castle
A northen startrail around the Tower of Noudar Castle. The Polaris is hiden behind the walls of the Castle.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Milky Way from the Noudar Castle
Milky Way as viewed from the Noudar Castle. | Canon 60Da – ISO2500 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 20/10/2014 at 20h50m
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Starry Sky in the Backyard of Casa do Monte in Noudar
Startrail from Orion sky region in the Backyard of Casa do Monte in Noudar
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Milky Way above a Watermills in Múrtega Creek
Milky Way above a Watermills in Múrtega Creek | Canon 60Da – ISO2000 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 18/10/2014 at 20h57
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Silhouette of Noudar Church in a Starry Trail Background
Silhouette of Noudar Church in a Starry Trail Background
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Waning Crescent Moon above Noudar Castle Church
Waning Crescent Moon above Noudar Castle Church
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Startrails Reflected in the Calm Water of Múrtega Creek
Startrails reflected in the calm water of Múrtega Creek
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Orion Stars above Noudar Castle
Orion Stars above Noudar Castle
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Startrail Tree in Noudar Park
Startrail with a Milky Way dragged behind an Olive Tree in Noudar Park
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Castle Tower of Noudar and a Deep View of Milky Way
Castle Tower of Noudar and a Deep View of Milky Way | Canon 50D – ISO2500 Exp. 20 Secs. 35mm at f/2 taken in 20/10/2015 at 22h07
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Orion Startrail above the Noudar Castle
Orion Startrail above the Noudar Castle
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Startrail in the Church of Noudar
A startrail with comet effect* in the sky region of Milky Way behind the Church of Noudar Castle, called: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Desterro.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
* This “comet effect” in the stars is not natural and not visible in the sky and it is only showed here for an artistic purpose.
Noudar Choça and Milky Way in Black & White
Noudar Choça and Milky Way in Black & White
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
“Choças” and “malhadas” are old agricultural structures used by shepherds of the Herdade da Coitadinha estate. The “choças”, small shacks built with stone or mud walls and thatched roofs, were designed to shelter shepherds and their families – many large families spent nights or even actually lived in these small spaces. “Malhadas”, usually located nearby, were stone fences used for keeping cattle.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Sky View of Múrtega Creek in Noudar Park
Sky View of Múrtega Creek in Noudar Park
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Lodging Gate to the Noudar Starry Sky
A startrail in the Orion sky region, above the Lodging gate of the Noudar starry sky Park.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Venus at Dawn above Noudar Castle
Venus at Dawn above Noudar Castle
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
California and Pleiades at Noudar Park House
California and Pleiades at Noudar Park House
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Church of Noudar and Milky Way Stars
Milky Way behind the Church of Noudar Castle, called: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Desterro.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Panoramic view of Múrtega Creek and Milky Way in Noudar Park
Panoramic view of Múrtega Creek and Milky Way in Noudar Park | Canon 60Da – ISO2000 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 18/10/2014 at 21h27
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Ardila River and the Sky of Noudar
Ardila River and the Sky of Noudar | Canon 60Da – ISO2500 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 19/10/2014 at 21h26
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Milky Way Arc above Noudar Park
Milky Way Arc above Noudar Park, a view from Eira area. | Canon 50D – ISO1600 Exp. 20 Secs. 35mm at f/2 Mosaic picture taken in 18/10/2014 at 00h18.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
