The Light Side of the Moon

Our next bus trip took us to Northern Chile, to the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama. The bus drops us at the dusty outskirts of town, where trekking companies are picking up their new arrivals and guesthouse owners are vying for guests. After checking out a few locations, we settle in at a place close to the center of town. We were not very impressed with Atacama to begin with but it definitely grew on us. The accommodations are simple, cold and a bit overpriced but there is magic in the air and the longer you stay the more difficult it is to leave. We booked a few tours; a hike through terrain that made me feel like I was strolling on the moon, another to some amazing high sand dunes that we climbed to catch a wonderful sunset. Lastly and my personal favorite was an evening with a French astronomer to learn and observe the night skies, only how Atacama can show them to you.

The outdoor observatory, the largest public observatory in Chile; it’s located about 6 km out of town, far away from the lights that would distract from the sky gazing. It is where Alain and his wife, Alejandra, both live and work. Their 2 goals are to conduct private research on Near Earth Asteroids and to show the sky to as many people as possible. The astronomical tour begins with Alain explaining some of what we will be able to see and detect, he spins such an interesting tale, you can easily tell this is a man who has truly found his passion and has figured out the best way to share it and inspire others. We go out side to the big telescopes; with Alain’s assistance we see the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn and contemplate our universe. The evening ends with a wonderful mug of hot chocolate and an experience I will remember for a very long time.

The website for San Pedro de Atacama Astronomical Explorations is: www.spaceobs.com