Costa Rica
is a favorite destination for travelers because of its
agreeable climate, spectacular natural scenery, and
friendly people. Although this small Central American
country is a mecca for bird enthusiasts, what few
realize is that it is also a superb destination for
amateur astronomers seeking views of the southern sky’s
many splendors. Imagine viewing the Large Magellanic
Cloud, Omega Centauri, the Southern Cross, the Eta
Carinae Nebula, and countless other deep-sky wonders in
tropical comfort from a dark-sky site. Now this trip can
be yours!
TravelQuest International and Sky & Telescope
associate editor Gary Seronik invite you to join our annual
winter trip for stargazing and relaxation, February 3-10,
2008. Our specially selected site offers a superb
combination of first-rate sky conditions and amenities. At
10° north latitude, our Costa Rica Star Lodge is 15°
farther south than the Florida Keys and 10° more southerly
than the Big Island of Hawaii — which means that
horizon-hugging southern targets will be 10° to 15° higher
in the sky than from those locales.
And you
don’t have to endure a long, grueling flight or tiresome jet
lag to get there — Costa Rica is just a 2.5-hour flight from
Miami and time is in the Central time zone!
Our observing site is a coastal
location in the most arid part of the country, far from
light pollution. In addition, we have timed our tour to
coincide with the new Moon and the driest time of year to
ensure the greatest number of clear, dark nights. Tour
participants will be treated to an unobstructed southern
horizon and a grassy, dust-free observing area only a few
steps away from their rooms, where North American standard
120-volt, 60-Hz AC power is available.
A
perfect climate, perfect sky, perfect accommodations, and
easy access. What more could you desire for a southern-sky
destination? Join us and discover the wonders of Costa Rica
and the southern sky!
Copyright 2007 TravelQuest International. All rights reserved. 800-830-1998 Revised:
April 26, 2007. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or trademark holders.
