From 8 to 13 November 2021

Puertollano Cultural Centre. Calle Numancia, 55

Schedule

- Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm.

- Saturday, 13 November: from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

Astronomical observation practice at night from 9:30 pm to 1 am (approx.) from Monday to Friday. *

Free registration

Places available: 45

Number of hours: 60

Student profile: Tourism sector employees interested in undertaking professional astro-tourism activities in the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park Starlight Destination.

The appropriate protocols have been established to always ensure compliance with the health and safety measures applicable.

* For health and safety reasons, registered individuals must provide their own means of transportation from the venue where workshops are held to the astronomical observation points where practical sessions are conducted.

REGISTRATION

Registration applications should be sent to

starlightcr@jccm.es

Deadline for submitting applications: 4 November 2021 at 2 pm.

Information lines:

926279686

926374801

(Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2 pm)

To ensure a smooth registration process, the following documents must be attached to the application:

- copy of the ID card of the person who will take the course

- copy of registration in the official register of tourism companies, and if the owner of the tourism company is a natural person, or for natural persons, the course is not taken by the freelancer if not an employee, a document issued by proxy stating the employment relationship of the person to be registered in the course with the company.

Download the application form

Selection criteria

- Preference in the registration process will be given to tourism sector employees within the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park Starlight Destination geographical area in the following areas: Ecotourism and/or active tourism companies, tour guides, regulated accommodation, travel agencies, etc. (maximum 1 person per company).

- If the course has not been filled, it will be opened to tourism sector employees within the geographical area of Ciudad Real province.

- If there are still places available, admission will be opened to tourism sector employees within the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha.

- If there are still places available, admission will be opened to persons residing in the municipalities within the geographical area of the Alcudia Valley and the Sierra Madrona (Madrona Mountains) Natural Park Starlight Destination. A valid census certificate must be attached to the application for this purpose.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE DAYS

Star Tourism is an emerging area within the tourism sector. Not only does it bring cultural and economic value, but also represents a galvanising factor for other activities and facilities in areas that, despite offering nature as their main selling point, need to expand their offering and implement factors to boost their economy.

This blossoming Star Tourism niche requires training for “Starlight Astronomical Monitors”, specialised in leading groups at night and during the day, to help visitors both enjoy nature and enrich their knowledge of the universe through the dissemination of information, either with the naked eye or through simple observation instruments, and to perceive that nature and the universe are one and the same reality as we humans experience.

“Starlight Astronomical Monitors” promote respect for and the protection of nature, ensuring our shared heritage, the starry night sky, is safeguarded from the damaging consequences of irresponsible light pollution.

The course aims to make known, in practical fashion, the professional opportunities that astrotourism offers, the range and unique nature of companies involved in this niche, how to develop this innovative product and the best way to promote it. Astronomy workshops will also be provided, detailing how to convey these ideas to groups of visitors in informative fashion.

Instruction will also be given during practical sessions on the use of day and night observation instruments, and how to use certain easily accessible programmes to help interpret the sky during the different seasons, and how to photograph it.

SCHEDULED PROGRAMME

Student assessment will be based on attendance and participation in the sessions. The programme will last for 60 hours and includes the following subjects:

Astronomy Module

1. History of Astronomy
2. The message of light
3. Celestial Mechanics
4. The Sun
5. The Moon
6. The Solar System and Exoplanets
7. The Local Universe
8. Stellar Evolution
9. Sky quality parameters
10. Measuring the Universe: Space and Time
11. Measurements of the sky background and other astronomical parameters
12. Origin of the Universe and Cosmology
13. The Basics of Relativity
14. Great Unknowns and Challenges in Modern Astrophysics
15. Astronomy Education
16. Planetarium Management
17. Astronomical instrumentation
18. Application of new technologies for astronomical observation

Astrotourism Module

1. Structure, development, and status of modern tourism: Segmentation, Products and Resources
2. The starry sky: business opportunities
3. Looking after astronomical tourism’s raw materials: protecting the sky, smart lighting, legislation
4. Including the night sky as a tourist and cultural asset. Revitalisation of rural areas
5. Astrotourism: resources, activities, products, services, business models. Real experiences
6. Functions, duties and obligations of a Starlight Monitor or Starlight Guide
7. Introduction to astrophotography
8. Unique factors in leading groups at night: precautions, advice, practical quality standards
9. Ways of explaining and interpreting the sky. Practice on how to make astronomical concepts attractive on the ground
10. Handling instruments and equipment. Creation of paths and viewpoints
11. How to create a SWOT analysis for each student in your area