Since the very first Homo Sapiens looked up at a star-filled sky we have been awestruck by the vastness of the cosmos. Even today we remain humbled by the sheer immensity of space, especially as through our progress in physics and astronomy, we are now aware of the tremendous distances involved – even to our closest neighbouring stars.

Following on from the huge success of the first Starmus “50 years in space” festival in Tenerife in June, 2011, which featured keynote presentations from Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell, Alexei Leonov, Richard Dawkins, Kip Thorne and George Smoot. We are very pleased to announce the second Starmus 2014 Festival, the finest combination of science, art and music to be found anywhere in the world at this time.

This unique event will feature presentations from Astronauts, Cosmonauts, Nobel Prize Winners and prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music. An astronomical and artistic experience that will enhance your perception of your place in the Universe and change your life forever!

The Starmus Festival is open to everyone young and old, beginners, amateurs and professionals. Anyone who holds a passion for astronomy and space exploration, and who has a desire to know more about where we came from and what’s out there.

Discover the Cosmos and Change the World

Astronauts, Cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners, eminent researchers and prominent figures from science, culture, the arts and music will preside over a conference to both discuss and try to answer the big questions of the day:

Where do we come from?, Where are we headed?

The conference will be taking place at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in the south of Tenerife and we are also planning to hold some of the conference sessions, including Stephen Hawking and the other speakers, at the The Auditorio de Tenerife “Adán Martín” in Santa Cruz. However, this will all be part of the main conference and we will not be selling tickets separately just for the Auditorio presentations.

Keynote Speaker – Stephen Hawking

Theoretical Physicist and Cosmologist

Considered one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein, his work on the origins and structure of the universe, the Big Bang to black holes, has revolutionized the field of cosmology. Moreover, his best-sellers – A Brief History of Time (1988), The Universe in a Nutshell (2001) and The Grand Design (2010) – have helped popularize science and make it accessible to everyone…..

Speakers

• Robert Wilson
  Nobel Prize Winner
• Sir Harold Kroto
  Nobel Prize Winner
• Richard Dawkins
  Ethologist & Evolutionary Biologist
• Brian May
  Astrophysicist, musician, singer and songwriter
• Alexei Leonov
  Russian Cosmonaut
• Charles “Charlie” Duke
  Apollo 16 Astronaut
• Walter “Walt” Cunningham
  Apollo 7 Astronaut
• Katerina Harvati
  Professor of Paleoanthropology
• John Mather
  Astrophysicist, Cosmologist and Nobel Prize in Physics
• John Ellis
  Theoretical Physicist
• David Eicher
  Editor in Chief Astronomy Magazine and President, Astronomy Foundation
• Mark Boslough
  Physicist

Special Guests

• Edgar “Ed” Mitchell
  Apollo 14 Astronaut
• Harrison “Jack” Schmitt
  Apollo 17 Astronaut
• Jill Tarter
  Director of the Center for SETI
• Robert Williams
  Astrophysicist
• Vladimir Dzhanibekov
  Russian Cosmonaut
• Sergei Krikalev
  Russian Cosmonaut
• Viktor Savinykh
  Russian Cosmonaut
• Yuri Baturin
  Russian Cosmonaut
• Grigorij Richters
  Director, 51 Degrees
• Katerina Mina
  Soprano
• Alexandros Hahalis
  Composer and Performer
• Nosound
  Alternative/Art Rock Band

108′

A gathering of eminent astronauts, astronomers, cosmonauts, physicists and engineers inside the GTC Roque de los Muchachos Observatory Dome, on the beautiful island of La Palma. The 10.4 meter Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) is the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world.

108-minutes of the latest news and discoveries in astronomy delivered first hand by World experts in the field. We will discuss some key problems that concern all humanity and will suggest some possible solutions.

Teide Starmus Party

In the magical surroundings of the Teide National Park you will feel as if you are walking on the Moon, with its surreal lunar-like landscapes. Even without the aid of a telescope you will be able to see the magnificent Milky Way stretching high above you from horizon to horizon.

This will be an unforgettable night to star gaze in the company of professional astronomers, to savour the vastness of the night sky, with some of the clearest, darkest skies anywhere to be found on the planet.

We are also very pleased to announce that the Starmus Party will have a very important musical element and that the progressive rock band NOSOUND will be performing live.

Regarded by critics and fans alike as one of the most interesting up and coming alt/art rock bands in Europe, Nosound inventively combines influences from ’70s psychedelia, ’80s/’90s ambient and contemporary alternative, progressive and post rock. The project started as a one man studio project in 2005 by Giancarlo Erra, but has since grown into a five piece band, evolving into something unique, focused and powerful.

The music is evocative and intense, with personal songwriting. Influences range from Pink Floyd to Brian Eno, from Porcupine Tree to Sigur Ros, passing through rock and electronic/ambient.

Astrophotography

International Astrophotography Contest

Capturing ancient photons.

With the right equipment, a lot of preparation, a great deal of patience, and maybe just a little luck – you can capture the amazing beauty the night sky has to offer us.

Capture that elusive award-winning night-sky image from anywhere on Earth and you could win an invitation to the Starmus Festival plus an hour to see the Universe as never before using the largest optical telescope on Earth – the GTC Roque de los Muchachos Observatory” on the island of La Palma.

Astrophotography School

Once in a lifetime opportunity to receive practical tuition and guidance on astrophotography from world renowned astrophotographers, in an incredibly unique setting at the The Observatorio del Teide(Teide Obsevatory) at 2390 m, close to Mt Teide More information…

Astrophotography Competition

Win an all expenses paid trip to Starmus and carry out a 60 min observation of the object of your choice with the largest optical
telescope in the world: the GTC (GRANTECAN or Gran Telescopio Canarias) on the island of La Palma More information…

Sonic Universe

Music and dance, a celebration of life, an enrichment of the soul. Feet stamping upon Mother Earth, sounds creating other sounds.

An exceptional concert of modern music for your enjoyment. A message of harmony sent into space that will reverberate to the edges of the Universe. Sounds and emotions entwined forever in this unique experience.

Artist Lineup

Rick Wakeman and Brian May performing live on stage in Tenerife!
Friday, 26th September 2014

We are very excited to confirm that Rick Wakemen the legendary keyboard player from the internationally renowned progressive rock band YES will be performing live on stage for the first time in Tenerife, as part of this years Starmus Festival. He will be joined on stage by, astrophysicist and rock legend Brian May the lead guitarist of the rock band Queen More information…

Paradise on Earth

From Mount Teide’s 3,718 metre summit down to the beach, from the mysterious “laurisilva” forests to the desert landscapes, from snow to sun, from well frequented tourist haunts to well-hidden locations – everything less than an hour apart – and with 20C average temperatures all year round.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands also known as the Canaries, are a Spanish archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, which enjoy a wonderful mild climate with an average temperature of 21C all year round. More information…

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and most populous island of the seven Canary Islands. The 3718 meter high volcano Mount Teide dominates the island with its huge crater. It is an island of many contrasts and micro climates with mountains, forests and beautiful beaches. More information…

La Palma

La Palma also called the “beautiful island” because of its exuberant countryside is the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands, Spain. La Palma has an area of 706 km2 making it the fifth largest of the seven main Canary Islands.More information…