Staff Reporter
SPANISH astrophotographer and astronomy communicator Aleix Roig has highlighted Namibia’s exceptional dark skies, scientific facilities and growing astro-tourism potential during a visit to the Kalahari Desert.
Roig, who is the co-CEO of Mizar Xperience and founder of several astronomy outreach initiatives, visited Tivoli Astrofarm, located in the Kalahari Desert as part of the PHOTOTRIP Namibia expedition organised by the Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades.
During his expedition, Roig documented Namibia’s night skies, describing the country as one of the world’s premier destinations for astrophotography due to its low light pollution and exceptional visibility of celestial objects.
Photos: Parc Astronòmic Prades via social media
At Tivoli Astrofarm, Roig highlighted the presence of advanced astronomical equipment, including four 60-centimetre telescopes operating as part of the Earth Guard Observation Network (EGON) project by Austrian company ASA Astrosysteme. The automated system contributes to Space Situational Awareness efforts by monitoring satellites, space debris and near-Earth objects.
Roig said Namibia’s combination of pristine landscapes, scientific infrastructure and clear skies creates a unique environment for both astronomy research and tourism.
During his stay, he captured images of the southern winter Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds, the Eta Carinae Nebula and the Galactic Centre of the Milky Way from the Kalahari Desert.
“This is already the fifth PHOTOTRIP to one of the world’s greatest dark-sky destinations, yet the feeling never changes,” Roig said, describing Namibia’s skies as a place where “the silence, the darkness and the sheer beauty of the Milky Way” continue to inspire visitors.
Roig’s work focuses on astronomy outreach, science communication and the promotion of dark-sky protection. He is involved in projects related to astro-tourism in Spain, Portugal and Andorra and has an educational background spanning physics, mathematics and management.
The material captured during the Namibia expedition will contribute to a new immersive astronomy show to be presented at the Muntanyes de Prades Astronomical Park in Spain later this year, showcasing Namibia’s skies and landscapes to international audiences.
Namibia’s dark-sky locations, including the Namib Desert and Kalahari regions, have increasingly attracted astrophotographers, researchers and astronomy tourists seeking some of the clearest views of the universe.
