Perseid meteors over Teide Observatory, Tenerife, Spain

When darkness falls over Tenerife, Spain, the stars take centre stage.

Perched high on the slopes of Mount Teide, Teide Observatory is one of the world's leading solar observatories and among the best places in Europe for astronomical research.

Opened in 1964 at an altitude of about 2,390 metres, it benefits from clear skies, dry air and minimal light pollution for much of the year, making it ideal for observing the sun by day and the night sky after sunset.