Not many people know this, but the ancient Greeks had already spoken very highly of the Canary Islands, which they called the Hesperides or the Fortunate Islands. In fact, experts believe that poets used this island as the basis for their description of the Elysian Fields.

And it isn’t surprising. The Canary Islands seemed to have all the elements of paradise: cool winds, pure and clean air, beautiful scenery, and the perfect weather and climate—it wouldn’t be exaggerating to call it “The Land of Eternal Spring”.

Unfortunately, modernization has left some changes on the island. While it is still very beautiful, naturally some flora and fauna were lost as the population expanded, and towns, then cities, then highways and super highways were built. But thankfully, the government has taken steps to preserve the Canary Island’s natural beauty and rich culture—especially by researching on the traditions of the island’s original aborigines.

Not much is known about the group. It is believed that they were Caucasians, with blond hair. However, there is evidence that they may have come from Northern Africa, and had ties to the Berbers. One sign of this is the evidence found by archaeologists that the community practiced mummification, which they may have learned from the Egyptian empire (which extended to Northern Africa).

The aboriginal communities were probably farmers and hunters, raising live stock and cattle, managing small plots of farm land, and gathering fruits and other produce from the nearby forests. They may also have been adept fishermen. Scientifists have found signs of irrigation and grain storage, especially in the Caves of Valeron (found in Guia) and the Caves of Visvique (found in Agaete). They probably grew barley, wheat, and arvejas, a kind of peas.

The communities probably raised sheep, pigs, and goats. The native pig of the Canary Islands is black, and the native sheep can not be found anywhere else in the world. These sheep have no wool, and were raised as a meat source. In fact, the Spaniards mistook them for goats. The aborigines called them pelebuey. Some species were brought to the Americas, but their origins lie here in the archipelago.

On the highest peak of Spain—Mount Teide, located at the Canary Islands—you can go stargazing at the robotic observatory of SLOOH.

The SLOOH opens the scientific facility to the public every Monday. As long as weather conditions permit it, you can join the multiple SLOOH stargazing missions over the course of an hour.

The SLOOH is outfitted with multiple telescopes, of professional astronomy quality. The organization also has a website that provides live images of the numerous things you can spot in the sky—stars, meteorites, and other celestial objects—especially on a clear day. The website is available to members for a small subscription.

The SLOOH telescopes are very powerful. They have many three mega pixel CCD cameras and four telescopes, including a Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope with a 14 inch diameter and a focal length of 2160mm. There is also a high magnification telescope outfitted with a wide field lens system, capable of a focal length of 135mm at f/5.6. These telescopes are located in two separate domes. There are also plans of acquiring a 14-inch SCT which has the powerful focal length of 2,100 mm. There will also be a a34-mm diameter refractor with a focal length of 135 mm.

After your trip to the Canary Islands you can continue stargazing through the SLOOH website. There you can control the scopes from the computer.

This fascinating and unique attraction of the Canary Islands is a great way of introducing someone to the joys and wonders of astronomy. Kids enjoy it, and will love to see the concepts taught in the classroom come to life. Hobbyists and enthusiasts will also get a kick out of using professional level equipment. Because of the SLOOH website membership privileges, visitors can continue stargazing from the comfort of their rooms. Membership costs an affordable 90 dollars a year, where you can log on any time during the established mission hours, and even get 15 minutes to control the telescopes as you see fit. You can also chat with other stargazing aficionados. You will need a connection speed of 40 kbps (40k) or greater.

The Canary Islands is becoming a very popular tourist destination. More and more people are arranging travel packages to the archipelago, especially it’s most populated island, the Gran Canaria.

When traveling to the Gran Canaria, your first stop will be Las Palmas, the capital, and the location of its largest airport. Las Palmas has a population that nearly reaches half a million. It’s about 200 kilometers from the African coast.

One of the reasons why the Canary Islands is so popular is that it is the Land of Eternal Spring. The climate is perfect, and this is no exaggeration. Studies made by the Syracuse University in the United States believe that the temperature is ideal, the air is clean, and that it is indeed the most healthy environment in the world. Many people go here to escape the harsh winter or to enjoy a mild summer.

Las Palmas has many shopping centers, with places like Mesa y Lopez and Triana, and brands like El Corte Ingles and Zara. Visitors can also go to shopping malls like Las Arenas (which is found within Las Canteras), El Muelle (located at the port section of the city), Siete Palmas as well as La Ballena.

The Canary Islands is also famous for its beautiful beaches. You can actually find a beach in the middle of the capital, called Las Canteras beach. It streches for 3 kilometers and gives visitors a chance to catch the sun and surf all year round, and just a short drive away from the shopping malls and tourist accommodations, too! There is another beach called Acaravanera found near the port area. Travelers can also visit the famous Christopher Columbus Museum, where there are exhibits on the history of the American Conquest. Columbus had a house in Las Palmas and it was the last outpost before the Great Unknown Sea.

Visitors can also visit the Canary Islands during the month of February. This lets them enjoy the famous Las Palmas Carnival. The Canary Islands has a long and proud tradition of carnivals and the locals really prepare for it and take it seriously. It is well worth the trip!