Night skies over the BioRia protected wetlands in Estarreja will host public stargazing and ecological sessions titled “Astronomia e Biologia no BioRia,” scheduled for Friday, August 21, and Saturday, September 5, at 22:00, according to local municipal reporting and coverage from ovarnews.pt.
Stargazing and Ecology Sessions at BioRia
Participants will gather at the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental de Salreu for two late-summer evening events designed to merge celestial observation with local wildlife monitoring. According to source reports, the initiative pairs astronomical science with nocturnal biology across the protected landscape of Estarreja.
José Matos, representing the FISUA – Associação de Física da Universidade de Aveiro, will guide attendees through identifying visible stars, constellations, and planets during the late-summer nights. The sessions aim to help participants recognize key elements of the night sky using practical observation techniques.
Did you know?
Combining astronomy with night-time biology walks allows researchers and visitors to observe how nocturnal species interact with ambient natural light and celestial cycles in protected wetland habitats.
Night Walks Along the Salreu Trail
The program extends beyond fixed-point telescope observation. According to the verified sources, the activity incorporates a short guided walk along the Percurso de Salreu.

During the excursion, participants are encouraged to split their attention between the upper atmosphere and the surrounding marshland ecosystem. This dual focus highlights nocturnal biodiversity that typically remains hidden during daylight hours, offering a direct view of Estarreja’s natural heritage.
Registration and Participation Details
Attendance is free of charge, but organizers require advance registration due to capacity limits. Interested participants can secure their spots by contacting the municipality via email at [email protected] or by calling 962 774 466, as detailed in the source coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the BioRia astronomy events take place?
The sessions are scheduled for Friday, August 21, and Saturday, September 5, starting at 22:00.
Where is the meeting point?
Participants meet at the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental de Salreu before beginning the outdoor activities.
Who leads the astronomical observation?
José Matos, affiliated with FISUA – Associação de Física da Universidade de Aveiro, leads the stargazing portion of the program.
How much does participation cost?
Participation is entirely free, though registration is mandatory through the provided email or phone contacts.
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