LA PALMA
La Palma, also known as "La isla bonita" ("The beautiful island"), is the most northwesterly island of the Canary Islands, Spain. Like other islands in the Macaronesia, this volcanic island has a mild sub-tropical climate.
The dominant trade winds create a significant humidity gradient, ranging from the rainforest in the north to the almost lunar-like volcanic landscapes in the south of the island. The northern part of La Palma is dominated by a collapsed volcano, the Caldera de Taburiente, which is 9 km wide and 1,500 m deep. It is surrounded by a ring of mountains that peak at a height of 2,400 m at the "Roque de los Muchachos."
The height, well above the inversion layer, along with its geographical position and climate, causes clouds to form between 1,000 m and 2,000 m, often leaving the mountain top with a clear and very dry sky. The view from the top is often a sea of clouds covering the eastern part of the island, which is why Roque de los Muchachos hosts one of the most prominent astronomical observatories in the world.
Roque de Los Muchachos
The first half of the school will take place at the Observatrio Roque de los Muchachos, where the CTAO-North is located. Residencia costs and all meals are included within the registration fee. In addition to lessons, the students will visit the telescopes and become familiar with the operations of a functioning observatory. The average temperature at ORM in May is 15°-25°.
Safety
It should be noted that during the three days of activities at CTAO-North, students will be at an altitude of more than 2,000 m above sea level. Therefore, students must consider any medical conditions that may prevent them from working at such an altitude before applying to the school or inform the organizers. Before moving to the Roque de los Muchachos, participants will be informed on how to identify and reduce altitude sickness if it occurs.
Los Cancajos
The second half of the school will take place at The H10 Taburiente Playa, which is located on the seafront, only 300 metres from the well-known Playa de los Cancajos.
Los Cancajos Beach is located in the east of La Palma, two kilometers north of the airport and two kilometers south of the island's capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma. The beach is a bay protected by a volcanic rock breakwater that offers calm waters year-round and a wealth of underwater life. The average temperature in Los Cancajos in May is 20°-25°. Hotel costs and all meals are included within the registration fee.
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