Karen Moore: Capturing the Stars of Fuerteventura
The Starry Guiding Light
Nestled in Lajares, La Oliva, Karen Moore is not just another face in the crowd but a passionate astronomer offering a unique experience. Originally from London, she has made Fuerteventura her home for over a decade. As the founder of the island’s only astrotourism company, Moore brings the beauty of the night sky to life with her engaging stargazing events.
A Celestial Playground
Fuerteventura boasts clear skies, making it an ideal backdrop for stargazing. Karen meticulously organizes night talks to help participants identify various celestial bodies from stunning locations such as Tindaya, Playa de Jarugo, Dunas de Corralejo, and Los Molinos. Her offerings include exclusive excursions tailored for romantic getaways and culinary experiences that blend gastronomy with astronomy. Imagine dining under the stars, with a local meal, as you gaze at the cosmos—this is exactly what Karen aims to provide.
“Some hotels contact me to offer this package,” she says. “However, most clients find their adventure through our website, starsbynight.es, which they love.”
A Journey Through Space
Karen’s expertise extends beyond casual observations. She leads excursions to magical spots like Pozo Negro, where clients dine in local restaurants, followed by an immersive session of stargazing. The two-hour experience, priced affordably at around 47 euros for adults and 37 for children, is enriching and educational. For those unable to visit the dunes, she also offers night walks on the Lajares Volcano, revealing the island’s geological wonders.
The Art of Astrophotography
Astrophotography is another intriguing aspect of her offerings, where she teaches attendees how to capture mesmerizing images of the night sky. “Photographing those moments is a true joy,” Karen notes, despite the challenges posed by weather, like the calima and clouds that sometimes obscure the view, particularly during the summer Perseids meteor shower.
Alongside her family and friends, Karen hosted an open talk at Playa de Jarugo. Setting up tents, a telescope, and enjoying a laid-back dinner became a relaxing prelude to an awe-inspiring night of stargazing. With a gentle August breeze and the sound of waves, locals and tourists alike came together to share in a celestial experience full of surprises.
Understanding the Cosmos
Karen’s enthusiasm for astronomy includes educating her participants about celestial mechanics. She explains that the planets orbit in a flattened plane known as the “ecliptic,” which results from the angle of Earth’s orbit around the Sun. During her presentations, she uses a laser pointer to highlight the shining planets—Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter, showcasing their beautiful rings through her telescope.
The night sky is generous, often revealing the Milky Way and even the brightest star, Sirius. On particularly special nights, she highlights the Perseids, known as the Tears of Saint Lawrence, and despite the occasional interference from calima, attendees may catch a glimpse of bright meteor trails and recognize constellations like Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Dreams and Aspirations
Though Karen has been running her astrotourism venture for over a year, she faces the challenge of building the business without significant external support. She believes in the immense potential of astrotourism on the island and envisions the establishment of a museum dedicated to astronomy to showcase the wonders of the majorero sky. “I receive many compliments at the end of the night; visitors appreciate the calm atmosphere, where they can learn more about this fascinating science and enjoy a fun night out in Fuerteventura,” she reflects.
Economic Challenges
Karen is candid about the economic realities of her business. “It’s quite challenging to make a living solely from this activity. Earnings are quite limited, and I often take up other jobs because my business is very variable, influenced by tourism trends and institutional support for astrotourism,” she explains. However, her passion for astronomy shines through. “Fuerteventura has a gorgeous sky, recognized as a Starlight Reserve, but this accolade is at risk without proper protection.”
Fighting Light Pollution
One pressing issue that Karen advocates against is light pollution. She cites the introduction of intense white lights at a nearby farm in Pozo Negro as detrimental to the natural beauty of stargazing. This unwanted illumination erodes one of the island’s unique resources for cosmic observation. “Everywhere, especially near Dunas and Majanicho, the rise of streetlights and hotels complicates the search for ideal stargazing spots,” she laments.
In light of these challenges, she calls for collaborative efforts among local governments, hoteliers, and community associations to implement proper lighting solutions that safeguard the majorero night sky.
Fostering Community and Knowledge
Karen’s commitment to the field extends beyond her own business. As a member of the Asociación de Astronomía de Fuerteventura, she emphasizes the rich pool of expertise available on the island. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from talented professionals like Carmelo Cabrera, the president of the association, and many dedicated friends.”
Her journey to Fuerteventura began with her surfer brother, and her early years here were dedicated to the hospitality sector. “I worked so much that I hardly had time to appreciate the island’s magic,” she recalls. Now, Karen is determined to work on her passion while educating others about the night sky, despite the challenges of fostering a culture of celestial appreciation in such a unique environment.
