Stargazing and night sky enchantment in Maira Valley

“Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.”
― Vincent van Gogh

Watching stars in the Alps of the Sea during Summer is absolutely stunning, an exceptional experience. Although, traditionally, stargazing night is on August 10th - the night of San Lorenzo - we propose some additional ideas to admire our skies and be enchanted.

The following events are all organized in the Maira and Grana Valley, in Piedmont.

Friday, August 5th

Observing the stars below Mount Chersogno - San Michele di Prazzo

Agriturismo Chersogno in San Michele di Prazzo, Maira Valley, welcomes visitors to participate in an evening dedicated to stars observation, recognition of summer constellations and to the many tales linked to summer skies, in the company of geologist and naturalist Enrico Collo. Meet at 8pm at the agriturismo

For info and reservations: 328.0153284

Saturday, August 6th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th, Saturday, August 27th

Astronomy nights – Wolves night in Val Maira - Canosio, Plateau Gardetta

The basin that houses Gardetta hut is surrounded by mountains, while leaving ample space for stargazing. One almost feels inside a dome, offering a glimpse of an unparalleled night sky: the city lights are remote, the silence is absolute and in the black sky the Milky Way shines at 2335 mt altitude.

Plateau Gardetta is considered by experts as one of the darkest skies in Europe, where everyone can enjoy the spectacle of a starry night in the company of experts. A truly unique opportunity to experience the magic of a night in the mountains.

On Saturday, August 6th an evening dedicated to astronomy at Mountain hut Gardetta, Plateau Gardetta (Canosio), led by geologist Enrico Collo with the telescope of Pietro Benotto, twice Italian champion and vice-champion of the astronomy world championships. The plan is to admire stars of summer sky, planets Jupiter, Mars and Saturn, the shining path of the Milky Way, and the many shooting stars in Maira Valley skies.

Meet at 7:30pm at Mountain hut Gardetta. After dinner, observation of the starry night sky will follow. In case of bad weather, there will be a conference on the latest discoveries in astronomy.

Saturday 13 and Sunday, August 14: Full moon hike

Saturday, August 27: astronomical observation.

Info about the evenings: Enrico Collo 349-7328556, www.naturaoccitana.it

Info and booking: Mountain Hut Gardetta 348-2380158

Additionally, we remind astronomy lovers about Perinaldo's observatory, the Cassini museum, and the planetarium.