The Marshal’s Office has presented an astrotourism map that will be available online via the Geoportal Dolny Śląsk service. It currently shows dark-sky observation sites and points related to astronomy. The plan is to expand the map to include accommodation facilities and events attractive to astrotourists.
“We encourage you to discover the region in a new way. The map features places attractive both to astrophotographers and astrotourists who are just beginning their adventure with observing dark skies. Through astrotourism, we are using this potential to create an unusual tourism offer based on local resources,” says Krzysztof Maj, a member of the Board of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
The sites presented on the map offer ready-made destinations for expanding one’s knowledge of astronomy. In turn, the stargazing sites, towers and observation platforms mark locations attractive both to astrophotographers and astrotourists who are just beginning their adventure with observing dark skies.
“Astrotourism is a niche form of tourism involving observation of the dark sky and the phenomena occurring in it. It also includes visiting facilities that enable visitors to expand their astronomical knowledge, such as observatories, planetariums, museums and exhibitions, as well as places connected with the history of space exploration and the work of its researchers. Contemporary astrotourism also offers the opportunity to take part in organised activities, such as astronomy gatherings, lectures, demonstrations and trips to observe ephemeral phenomena occurring in space,” adds Dr Sylwester Kołomański of the Astronomical Institute of Uniwersytet Wrocławski.
The initiative to create the astrotourism map is also supported by Karol Wójcicki—an enthusiast of the night sky, populariser of astronomy, science journalist and television presenter, widely known as the creator of Poland’s largest astronomy fan page, “Z głową w gwiazdach,” on Facebook. “This is a fantastic initiative by the Marshal’s Office to create such a map, publicly available to everyone. When you ask where the best places to observe the sky in Poland are, the answer is: the Bieszczady Mountains and the Izera Mountains. Hala Izerska is one of the most beautiful places in our country. There are few places where you can admire a view to the horizon undisturbed by civilisation. This is a protected area called the Izera Dark Sky Park. I encourage you to look towards the starry sky,” says Karol Wójcicki.
While promoting astrotourism, the map’s creators also drew attention to respect for the environment and nature, as well as safety during stargazing.
“By publishing a map of the best places for stargazing in Lower Silesia, we urge visitors to exercise caution during night-time sky observation. Selected locations may be situated in areas of great natural value; therefore, it is essential to keep quiet and follow local recommendations,” says K. Maj.
Konrad Imiela also encouraged people to take up astrotourism. He is the artistic director of Teatr Muzyczny Capitol and an astrophotography enthusiast in his private life:
I encourage you to use even the simplest observation instruments, such as binoculars. As for buying more serious equipment, I would advise waiting until you find a good place for observation. I believe that the map presented today can be a useful guide for everyone who has decided to take an interest in observing the sky or astrophotography.