The sky of Gran Canaria witnessed an unprecedented astronomical event, marking a milestone in the TWINNEDbySTARS project. The initiative, led by the University Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (TIDES) of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), seeks to promote sustainable nautical and marine tourism in the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira and Martinique, fusing digitalisation with the majesty of the firmament.

Keep Sailing: A lighthouse in the night
The nautical company Keep Sailing became the first in the Canary Islands to obtain the prestigious Starlight certification, a recognition of its commitment to the preservation of the quality of the night sky and the promotion of astro-tourism. To celebrate this achievement, a ‘FAM TRIP’ of astronomical navigation was organised, an experience that will soon be available to the public.

A sky that surrendered to magic
Despite the clouds that threatened to overshadow the night, the sky unfolded in all its splendour. Attendees witnessed the beauty of Orion’s Belt, the nebula, the Three Marys, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, the North Star, Sirius, Jupiter and Mars, among other stars.

Navigating among stars and tradition
Under the guidance of Xavier Martínez from Nautic Ocean and Jaime Lang-Lenton from Keep Sailing, the participants learned how the stars guided sailors in ancient times, turning the sky into a universal map. The Seestar S50 telescope made it possible to appreciate the immensity of the cosmos in greater detail.

Bringing science, sea and tourism together
The experience highlighted the importance of reducing light pollution to enjoy the richness of the night sky, fusing science, seafaring tradition and astronomical tourism.

Presence of leaders and visionaries
The event was attended by leading personalities from the fields of tourism, science and the environment, including Elena Ramos from SEO Bird Life, Saro Arencibia from Turismo Gran Canaria, Sergio Moreno from the ULPGC, Lluís Serra Majem (rector of the ULPGC), Frank A. Rodríguez from Astroeduca, Jorge Artiles from Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Bárbara Svehlakova from Gran Canaria Blue, Carlos Moreno from Cadena Ser, Moneiba Bolaños from the Albatros y Gaviotas podcast and Matías González (TIDES), coordinator of the project.

TWINNEDbySTARS: A project that illuminates the future
The European project TWINNEDbySTARS, coordinated by TIDES of the ULPGC, seeks to create innovative and sustainable tourism products in the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira and Martinique. Through co-creation workshops, a joint astro-tourism platform has been developed, with Keep Sailing as a pioneer in Starlight certification.

A starry sky for all
The event demonstrated the potential of astrotourism in Gran Canaria and the importance of preserving the quality of the night sky. TWINNEDbySTARS continues to work to bring this unique experience to more people in the four outermost regions.