Naked-eye astronomy in mass tourism

• Main Author: Tadić Milutin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Serbian Geographical Society 2016-01-01
• Series: Glasnik Srpskog Geografskog Društva
• Subjects: naked-eye astronomy; astro-landscape; astro-tourism; Serbia
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-3593/2016/0350-35931601127T.pdf
• ISSN: 0350-3593; 2406-078X

This paper considers the possibility of developing astro-tourism in small countries such as Serbia and other Balkan countries, with "discreet" astro-tourism reduced to naked-eye astronomy as part of mass tourism rather than elite tourism that is realized through specialized programs with spacecraft and space stations, spectacular planetariums and observatories with giant telescopes. The specific relationship between the virtual and the real world is highlighted in this paper especially when considering younger generations. Furthermore, the differences in the way stars are perceived by astronomers and "ordinary" tourists or non-astronomers is also emphasized. Tourists are not enchanted by celestial bodies themselves, but by a complete scene, which consists of integrated skyscapes and landscapes, as a complex stage where in various combinations and forms these celestial bodies are observed, and of their own experience. These complex sky-earth landscapes, astro-landscapes, present astro-tourism resources of the small countries like Serbia, provided that a tourist can "read" their astronomical text. In this regard, Belgrade was used as the example for drafting a "package" of astronomical information that can be easily prepared and adapted according to the needs of a particular group, so that every tourist may know what can be seen, where and when. With the help of a rotating star map (planisphere), visitors may observe the sky with the naked eye.