Excited to experience this celestial occurrence, hotels with space observatories are the place you can turn to!
Who would have thought that Earth also gets visitors just like us? Yes, this Autumn, a small asteroid came knocking on Earth’s door and settled to become a temporary satellite for our planet! Posing as a ‘mini moon’ the asteroid is revolving around the Earth’s orbit since September 29 and will continue to travel in a horse-shaped path till November 25. This rare occurrence opens a very special window for the space aficionados to witness something this phenomenal. However, the moon won’t be visible to naked eyes due to its small size and lack of brightness. To capture the mini moon, you’ll need professional equipment and telescopes. Luckily, there are some hotels around the world that have fully-equipped space observatories for its guests. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpacks and maybe a compass and jet-set to these spectacular hotels in serene hideaways with best-in-class observatories across the world.
What is Earth’s Second Moon called?
Earth’s second moon is named 2024 PT5 and it originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which contains rocks with orbits similar to Earth’s. NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) for the very first time detected this 33 feet wide asteroid in August this year.
Hotels With On-Site Space Observatories:
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
The Anantara Kihavah Maldives is one of the finest overwater observatory resorts in the world. The hotel’s observatory SKY has one of the most powerful telescopes in the Indian Ocean, with resemblance to the 16-inch advanced Meade LX220R used at Chile’s Explora. You can lay back in a circular daybed and peek through the telescope at the mini moon of the Milky Way’s shining Omega Centauri.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Hawaii
On the serene island of Lanai, this luxury resort owned by tech billionaire Larry Ellison has all the tech equipment that you need to stargaze. The Kilo Hoku observatory of the hotel provides guests with the opportunity to stargaze through high-powered telescopes, guided by expert astronomers. It also hosts immersive lessons on astronomy for the curious space fans.
Auberge Primland Resort Virginia
You can gaze at star filled skies from this luxurious back-to-nature escape located in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Primland, an eco-friendly resort is set on a 12,000-acre private mountain estate that acts as a quaint escape from daily hustle. The resort’s observatory features state-of-the-art equipment, allowing guests to observe celestial phenomena in a pristine, light-pollution-free environment. You can also learn about constellations, nebulae, and other astronomical wonders from knowledgeable guides.
Explora Atacama Lodge, Chile
At the world’s driest desert in the North of Chile, the Explore Atacama Lodge provides an ideal setting for the space gazers to admire Earth’s second moon. The plush resort space observatory features an advanced optics telescope, the Meade 16” f/10 LX200R Advanced RD offers breathtaking views of the night sky. When here, don’t forget to explore the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds, and other celestial objects unique to the Southern Hemisphere.
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, Switzerland
Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps Offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alps. The Kulm dome at the hotel houses a massive research-grade deep-sky telescope that observes the night sky in a high-altitude environment, free from light pollution. You can get a chance to witness the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and even shooting stars in this breathtaking setting alongside the moon watching.
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