Travels around the world 2009-2024
Exploring our beautiful planet

El Leoncito National Park

May 16, 2022  —  Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

The El Leoncito Park offers magnificent mountain landscapes in a semi desertic environment. There are a few nice treks available, and two observatories can be visited. I had the opportunity to make a visit at the Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO) that has one of the largest mirrors telescopes in Argentina.

I was in the park during the total lunar eclipse of May 16, 2022. I attended a night tour on the ground of the second observatory (Cesco). There was no access to a large telescope, but I was able to observe the stars and the moon with a few professional telescopes.

Seeing the lunar eclipse, which lasted about 4 hours for the whole process, was an interesting experience.

Cascada del Rincón Trail

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

Here is the waterfall or what is left of it. Strong rains caused a flood that destroyed all the beauty of the site. However, along the path, one can see how a small river can carve its way in the desert land of the park.

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

Paysaje de Agua Trail

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
In the past, there was a ranch with cows, sheep, and horses.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The CASLEO Observatory.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO)

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

This observatory is home to one of the largest scientific telescopes of the country. A visit is a very interesting way to learn some facts about the telescope with mirrors.

Here are some facts:

the large mirror is 2.15 metres wide and weighs more than a ton
the telescope is built over a concrete slab with a depth of 14 metres
on average, night conditions are excellent 270 nights a year
the entire dome can rotate
each night, the room temperature where the telescope stands is gradually lowered to that of the exterior to avoid condensation on the optical elements
images are digitalized directly from the telescope and sent to computers
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The tank where the large mirror is cleaned.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The dome and telescope.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Observations are not done with the naked eye, everything is digitalized and sent to computers.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The entire dome can rotate.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Outside the observatory, a solar clock.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
View from the observatory.

Total lunar eclipse

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

On May 16, 2022, a total lunar eclipse was visible from the park. This kind of eclipse occurs when our planet passes in between the moon and the sun.

The steps of the eclipse are (a process that last about 4 hours):

before the eclipse, the full moon is visible
when the earth begins to obstruct the line of sight between the sun and the moon, a shadow starts to grow and the moon seems to dissapear
in fact, as the white radiance of the moon fades, the moon is still visible, but with a much paler reddish colour
finally, toward the end of the eclipse, when the earth stops from blocking the light of the sun, the white full moon reappears gradually
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The earth is starting to block the light from the sun. Some clouds partially obstruct the view .
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The moon seems to disappear.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The moon is still there, but with a much paler reddish radiance.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The light of the sun is starting to light the moon.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
The radiance of the white light is much stronger than the part in the shade.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
An attempt at photographing the stars.

Cerro El Leoncito Trail

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

This 8 km trail reaches a hill with an altitude of 2,519 metres. The landscapes along the path are fantastic.

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

Landscapes from a mirador

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina

At dawn, I go to a mirador where the Andes Mountains are visible.

Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
A panorama a bit too wide giving an idea of the full landscape.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
Parque Nacional El Leoncito - Argentina
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Pampa del Leoncito

Pampa del Leoncito - Argentina

Between the El Leoncito Park and the Andes Mountains, there is a curious dry lake. I guess it must fill itself with waters during the summer rains.

Pampa del Leoncito - Argentina
Pampa del Leoncito - Argentina
Pampa del Leoncito - Argentina
Pampa del Leoncito - Argentina