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Everybody knows that Iran is a land full of wide deserts, where the melody of the wind is the only sounds that reach the visitor's ears. Illuminated only by the brightness of stars Iranian deserts are some of the best places in the world to experience dark night skies. In Isfahan's desert, learn about the mythology of the stars, find constellations in the sky, listen to their stories in an interactive experience that will turn you into an amateur astronomer, and will no longer want to close your eyes at night.
Gazing at the stars, planets, and nebulas with a professional telescope
Sleeping in an traditional homestay and having local cuisines
Learning how to read the sky map
Discovering the mythology and ancient beliefs related to stars Features
Nowadays we rarely have the chance to gaze at a sky full of stars, but there are some enchanting places in the world that remained preserved from mankind's footmarks. The great desert plains of Iran are among those places.
This experience leads you 30 kilometres from the remarkable Isfahan, once called "Half of the World", to Shahin Shahr's remote region. While enjoying a traditional dinner made by a local cook, a short theoretical introduction to astronomy will give you a brief insight into the secrets of the Iranian night sky. We will immerse ourselves into the mythology and horoscope which were born in the human's mind fascinated by the sky thousands of years ago.
As the night slowly takes over the daylight, the first bright spots unravelled themselves in the sky. Look up, let your and let your guide explain to you more about stars, galaxies and nebula. Follow the light of a laser pointer to discover the planets and constellations. Imagine how stars become figures like a hunter, a lion or a bear. At the end realize how small we are and keep in mind that everything that we watch through the telescope is a direct look at history because the light is still travelling to give us the right information.
Step by step, you become a knowledgeable observer and learn how to read the "alphabet" of astronomy. This is the key to make you able to read the sky map, as once all travellers had to, to find their way through the immensity of the world. Like them, in the silent night of the desert, you will decode this mystery, and after that, it is likely that you will no longer want to sleep.
But, the night also has its end, as the sun returns over the earth. After a copious Persian breakfast, let your eyes wander through the telescope's lens again. With the help of solar filters, greet the morning sun to see sunspots on it. Enjoy a little bit more the quietness of this secluded remoteness, before leaving for Isfahan.
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: Pick up anywhere in Isfahan in the afternoon around 3 hours before sunset, Watching the sunset, Tea and theoretical introduction to astronomy, Dinner, Night sky observation, Sleep in an eco-friendly homestay
DAY 2: Early morning night sky observation, Sunrise and watching sunspots, Breakfast, Return to Isfahan
Notes:
Because of strong moonlight, astronomy tour can’t take place in a period between 5 days before and 5 days after the full moon.
Until 11 AM on the day of the tour, you will be contacted with the weather update. If the weather is bad the tour will be cancelled. If the weather goes bad during the tour refund will be partial.