In the Star Park of the Eifel National Park, the view of the night sky is breathtaking. Thanks to the sparse population and low lighting, light pollution is kept to a minimum. The Milky Way and the constellations of our solar system are clearly visible. During an open star tour with the Star Guides or a tour by the Astronomy Workshop "Stars Without Borders," visitors experience the fascination of the nocturnal starry sky in the Eifel.
It is dark, the bats and other nocturnal animals are out searching for food, no clouds in the sky – it’s time to lift your gaze to the night sky of the Eifel and let yourself be enchanted by the multitude of sparkling stars . In the star park of the Eifel National Park, this is possible; there is clear visibility of the Milky Way and the many distant stars and planets that are usually not visible in other places because the sky does not get dark enough. Too much lighting in the streets and houses, along with dense populations, cause light pollution, which prevents the view of the stars, because the surroundings are too bright.
In the Eifel National Park, the night sky is still clear and truly dark. Since 2019, the park has been designated as a star park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The aim is to protect nature at night from the burdens of artificial light and thereby preserve and promote biodiversity. Especially nocturnal animals need the darkness of the night, the constant change between day and night.
For us humans, a stunning view into the night sky of the Eifel opens up in the dark. The Astronomy Workshop "Stars Without Borders" at the Vogelsang IP Observatory regularly offers various programs related to the natural experience of star-rich skies in German and English.
Specially trained star guides offer open star tours at special star viewing times that can be booked directly online.
Star hosts have specialized in catering to the needs of star gazers.
Depending on the season, different constellations can be seen in the sky – with telescopes, binoculars, and even with the naked eye. Warm clothing is definitely essential for a tour, as it can also get cold at night in the summer. And after an exciting star walk, constellations like Alpha Centauri and Sirius are no longer unknown.
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