COMPLETE CAPACITY!

As in previous years, around this time, Astromares is once again organizing an observation of the most popular meteor shower of the year: the Perseids. The peak will take place during the night of August 12th to 13th, although meteors are visible for several weeks before and after that date.

We’ll head to El Murtal, a spot free from light pollution, about 45 minutes by car from Seville, located in the municipality of El Ronquillo. It's a wide, easily accessible rest area on the old N-630 road. Across the road, there’s a smaller rest area where vehicles can be parked. Arrival time is flexible between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. There is no set end time—it will depend on the conditions of the night. Most people stay until around 1:00 AM, though some leave earlier and others stay longer. This year, the Moon may affect the visibility of the Perseids and force us to wrap up sooner.

Although the best way to enjoy the meteor shower is to lie down and simply gaze at the sky—especially in the direction of the constellation Perseus—those who wish can also observe planets like Saturn, which will have a very thin ring this year. However, the early rising Moon might prevent us from fully enjoying the meteors due to excess light in the sky. That said, we’ll take advantage of it to observe the Moon itself through our telescopes. During the session, we’ll explain basic astronomical concepts in simple, accessible language, and we’ll also guide you in visually identifying some of the most prominent stars and constellations visible at this time of year.

The activity is FREE, although voluntary donations will be accepted to help cover transportation costs for ASTROMARES monitors and to support ongoing astronomy outreach.

Please bring your blanket or reclining chair, snacks, drinks, etc. Think of it like a night picnic in the countryside. You'll need flashlights, but if possible, use red light to avoid glare—always pointed toward the ground and never into anyone’s eyes. We also kindly ask for silence. Loud noises, conversations, or music can disturb others’ enjoyment of the night.

And, of course, we ask that you leave the area just as you found it. Take everything you brought with you. There are no trash cans or containers, so be prepared to carry your waste back with you. Let's keep nature clean!