Astro Faro – a look into astronomy

João Costa, a professional fitness instructor and personal trainer, has recently embarked on his childhood passion of astronomy. “I’ve always loved space and what is out there”, the amateur astronomer mentioned. João described how he used to wait patiently for any news and updates in the astronomy world, information which was not as accessible as it is nowadays. “I would spend my free time trying to learn more about astronomy” he shared, noting that “back in those days the access to that type of content was limited to a few magazines and documentaries which would occasionally stream on TV”.

Even though João showed an early interest in astronomy, he didn’t find the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the subject and he did not purchase his first good telescopic lens until 2020, when the pandemic outbreak forced him to stay indoors. After gradually immersing himself in amateur astronomy and making friends who shared his interests, he was later asked to help in some educational astronomy events at the Centro de Ciência Viva do Algarve in Faro. Claiming, “Here, I was able to start sharing my passion and motivate others to do the same”.

At first, João’s intention for Astro Faro was limited to creating a Facebook page where he could connect with other amateur astronomers and share his passion for astronomy observations and space research. “My objective was to create a safe space where people who are as passionate about space exploration as I am could freely express their thoughts, opinions, and outer space images”. However, João Costa is now attempting to conduct his own astronomical observation events by organising astronomical activities for the community, in collaboration with different entities. Recently he has partnered with the Chamber of Faro at many occasions to do so.

As an amateur astronomer, João has been able to demonstrate, instruct, and engage with individuals of all ages throughout different astronomical observation events. In August, he had the opportunity to share his expertise with those interested at ‘Forum Family Garden’ initiative organised by the Forum Algarve. “Seeing the children’s joy when they observe the moon, the thrill on their faces and the little giggles of excitement” is the most rewarding element of undertaking this astronomical events, the astronomy enthusiast shares. Fortunately, João Costa has promised to keep holding these engaging and instructive activities for the whole of the upcoming autumn season, since a lot of people are eager to get a closer look at the night sky. Every month, at Vale do Lobo, everyone is welcome to gather for a night of astronomy.

“I really enjoy studying the moon; it is undoubtedly the most amazing object in the universe to observe up close, especially for the younger population,” he said in response to a query about which celestial objects he preferred to observe. João started studying astronomy as a hobby, but after spending many hours gazing up at the sky, he has come to find that the planets and the deep sky are what most interest him. The deep sky classification is used by most amateur astronomers to distinguish visually observed faint objects that are visible to the naked eye as well as telescopic objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. “It is more difficult for people who are not accustomed to observing the sky in this detail to comprehend how fascinating it is to watch nebulae as an example, but for us astronomers, it is simply outstanding as we really understand what it is and what it means”.

Understanding the night sky takes more than just staring at it. If you don’t know where to start, João’s advice is for you to ask someone you know or interact with amateur astronomy groups, and utilise their assistance to try and locate the equipment that will be most useful for your own skills and expectations. “And always remember that the best telescope is the one we use”. According to João, amateur astronomers frequently use this expression to express their thoughts, as “what good is it to own the greatest, largest telescope if we don’t know how to use it? Because we can’t move it or because it is too complex to operate”. As the astronomer further shared, “It took a lot of patience and resilience, but practice leads to ease – today what is extremely easy for me was extremely difficult at the beginning, so do remember that when you start your journey”.

After studying Journalism for five years in the UK and Malta, Sara Durães moved back to Portugal to pursue her passion for writing and connecting with people. A ‘wanderluster’, Sara loves the beach, long walks, and sports. 

Sara J. Durães