ArtemisNet
Karpenissi Evrytania Greece
STARLIGHT BRIDGES
Starlight Bridges: Community Astrotourism in Evrytania, Greece
ARTEMISNET – Starlight Bridges is an innovative, internationally approved community-based astrotourism programme implemented in Karpenisi, Evrytania (Greece), with the support of the Municipality of Karpenisi and funding from the Office for Astronomy Development (OAD) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
The programme is among the 18 projects selected worldwide out of more than 150 submitted proposals under the OAD 2026 call, representing a significant international distinction and recognition of both the project’s quality and the unique characteristics of its host region.
ARTEMISNET aims to highlight the night sky of Karpenisi as a valuable natural, cultural, and educational resource, capable of contributing to sustainable local development, education, and social cohesion. In a region distinguished by its dark skies and strong cultural identity, the programme connects astronomical science with the local community, cultural heritage, and contemporary sustainable tourism practices.
The programme is built upon active community participation, resident and youth training, school-focused activities, public sky observation events, digital augmented reality applications, and the restoration and enhancement of the ARTEMIS Observatory. Through these actions, the night sky is transformed from a natural phenomenon into a shared community asset and a narrative element of place-based identity.
ARTEMISNET is the first fully integrated community astrotourism programme in Greece with international scientific support and aspires to serve as a model of good practice for other mountainous and remote regions, strengthening sustainability, openness, and long-term community resilience.
International Recognition
ARTEMISNET – Starlight Bridges is one of only 18 projects selected worldwide from more than 150 international proposals under the IAU Office for Astronomy Development (OAD) 2026 programme, highlighting the global significance of Karpenisi’s night sky and its community-driven approach to sustainable development.
Support From DarkSky International
Upcomnig Event
Educational Workshops aimed at developing sustainable local Astrotourism
2nd Field Workshop for Astroguides and Astrophotographers
July 18, 2026 21:00pm
We are glad to join us on Saturday, July 18th-21:00pm at Prophet Elias of Myriki for our stargazing evening and at the same time an astrophotography workshop for our stargazing guides and everyone else.
Skygazing and techniques for photographing the celestial dome with a telescope and camera will be held.
This stargazing evening will also be the second and last of two rehearsals for our big event on August 17th.
Events
Our Cosmic Journey
Our Vision
We believe that the night sky is not only a scientific treasure, but also a cultural, environmental, and educational asset towards sustainability.
ARTEMISNET seeks to:
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Environmental stewardship
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Gender inclusion
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Youth empowerment
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STEM engagement
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Sustainable rural development
By reconnecting people with the night sky, we reconnect them with their environment, their heritage, and their future.
Our dedicated team designs and builds the infrastructure that makes immersive astronomy experiences possible. From thoughtfully developed stargazing sites and educational pathways to interactive learning environments, we create the foundations that connect people meaningfully with the night sky.
Through guided stargazing sessions, inspiring workshops, and hands-on activities, we awaken curiosity and cultivate a lasting love for the cosmos. Guided by principles of accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement, we transform dark skies into living classrooms — spaces where science, culture, and wonder come together to inspire future generations of explorers.
What We Do
Artemis Space Observatory
The project builds on the legacy of the ARTEMIS Space Observatory, a volunteer-run facility operating since 2014, which continuously offers public outreach, involve in research projects with STEM implementation for schools, enabling immersive night-sky experiences to local residents.
ARTEMIS is a complex of optical and radio telescopes supported by the local Artemis Club. It is located at 1,000 meters altitude and just 4 km from Karpenisi. Despite partial destruction due to a severe storm (2024) ARTEMIS remains central to the vision, thanks to the dedication of the operators that comes to the community trust and network it has cultivated.
The idea of the project started in 2022, when the pristine night sky of Karpenisi – a photo that was taken by the ARTEMIS- was showcased as the signature image of a major online conference on Dark Sky Preservation, organized by Dr. Metaxa under the auspices of the IAU-OAD, etc. The event drew over 2,000 participants and spotlight Karpenisi’s exceptional skies across Greece.
ARTEMISNET capitalizes on this momentum with an astrotourism model.
Night Sky Tourism Resources
Traditionally, astrotourism has been a specialized activity focused on scientific exploration and the use of specialized equipment. However, this narrow approach has limited its potential to contribute to the socioeconomic development of rural communities.
This approach represents a radical departure from the conventional model. We believe that by redefining astrotourism as an extension of ecotourism and cultural tourism, we can fully unlock the potential of the night sky. Instead of overwhelming local communities with complex astronomical concepts, we focus on empowering them to showcase their unique cultural heritage and natural environment, with the night sky as a stunning backdrop.
This material is a translation of the corresponding guide by the Office of Astronomy for Development of the International Astronomical Union.
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