Have you ever looked at the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our own Milky Way? While most stars we see are part of our local stellar neighbourhood, there is one extraordinary object you can spot from the slopes of Mount Teide that belongs to a different world entirely: the Andromeda Galaxy (M31).
For those seeking the ultimate Stargazing Tenerife tour, Las Cañadas del Teide offers a front-row seat to this cosmic masterpiece, located over 2.5 million light-years away.
The Jewel of the Northern Hemisphere: What is Andromeda?
The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest large spiral galaxy to our own. It is a massive collection of stars, gas, and dust, estimated to contain nearly a trillion stars, roughly double the number in the Milky Way.
- A Galactic Giant: Andromeda is approximately 152,000 light-years across.
- The Naked Eye Wonder: Under the pristine, dark skies of the Teide National Park, Andromeda is one of the few deep-space objects visible to the naked eye.
- A Future Collision: Astronomers have noted that Andromeda and the Milky Way are currently moving toward each other, destined to merge in about 4 billion years.
Why Las Cañadas del Teide is the Best Place for Viewing
Tenerife is globally recognised as a “Starlight Destination” due to its high altitude and lack of light pollution. At 2,000 metres above sea level, you are above the clouds, providing a crystal-clear window into the universe.
Optimal Viewing Conditions
To see the Andromeda Galaxy in all its glory, you need more than just a clear sky; you need a professional Stargazing Tenerife tour. From Las Cañadas, the galaxy appears as a faint, elongated smudge of light, but through our high-powered telescopes, you can begin to see the bright core and the subtle glow of its spiral arms.
Seasonal Best Times
While Andromeda is visible for much of the year, Autumn (September to November) is considered the peak season. During these months, the galaxy sits high in the sky shortly after sunset, making it a highlight of our nightly excursions.
How to Locate the Galaxy in the Night Sky
Finding a distant galaxy can be tricky without help. On our tours, our expert guides use high-powered lasers to point out the specific constellations that lead the way:
- Find Cassiopeia: Look for the distinctive “W” or “M” shape in the northern sky.
- Locate Pegasus: Find the “Great Square” of Pegasus nearby.
- The Leap to Andromeda: Between these two landmarks sits the Andromeda constellation, home to M31.
Experience the Cosmos with Teide by Night
Reading about the stars is one thing, but standing on a volcanic landscape while gazing at a galaxy millions of light-years away is a life-changing experience. Our Stargazing Tenerife tour is designed to take you on a journey through space and time, combining the science of the heavens with the magic of the Canarian night.
Ready to see the universe for yourself? Join us for an evening of discovery, fine dining, and astronomical wonder. Secure your spot on our next excursion and see the Andromeda Galaxy as you’ve never seen it before.
