Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World
14 Best Astronomical ObservatoriesDo you ever find yourself staring up at the stars? We’ve scouted out the best astronomical observatories around the world.
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Gornergrat Observatory, SwitzerlandGornergrat Observatory, Switzerland. With its breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the 3100-metre high Gornergrat Observatory offers a stargazing experience with all the comforts of a skiing holiday. It can only be reached by foot or with a special train from Zermatt (passing by filming locations of BBC series The Night Manager). It also offers a special “Dining with the Stars” and “Moonlight fascination” packages (the latter including a ski descent at moonlight) to visitors staying in Zermatt. Note: please inquire in advance with the hotel about the use of the telescopes. gornergrat-kulm.ch
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The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Siding Spring Observatory, AustraliaSiding Spring Observatory, Australia. Built in 1974, the Siding Spring Observatory is located near the town of Coonabarabran, 500 km northwest of Sydney. It hosts the Anglo Australian Telescope, Australia’s largest optical telescope with its 3,9-metre mirror. The telescope dome has a dedicated Visitors Viewing Gallery which is open to the public free of charge. It also includes the Exploratory, a visitor centre with augmented reality presentations and hands-on activities. sidingspring.com.au Photo: Ángel R. López-Sánchez (AAO/MQU)
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The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
High Provence Observatory, FranceHigh Provence Observatory, France. Tired of Saint-Tropez? Head northwest to St-Michel-l’Observatoire, in High Provence, to visit its observatory, built in 1937 and featuring a telescope equipped with a 1,93-metre wide mirror. Guided tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays, with accommodation available in several local hotels. From July to mid-September the observatory hosts l’Été Astro (Summer of Astronomy), a special programme of conferences, night observations and exhibitions. While in the region, enjoy a Kir Provençal, a local spin on the wine cocktail made with Amandine, an almond and vanilla liqueur. saintmichellobservatoire.com/astronomie
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The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Very Large Telescope (VLT), ChileVery Large Telescope (VLT), Chile. Located in the deep of Chile’s Atacama Desert with its exceptionally clear skies, ESO’s Paranal Observatory hosts the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the most advanced optical telescope in the world. Its otherworldly, award-winning facility, La Residencia, was the setting for the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Free public visits are conducted during the day on weekends (advance booking required). Read more about visiting the VLT.
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Tartu Observatory, EstoniaTartu Observatory, Estonia. About 190 km south-east of Tallinn, the Tartu Observatory is built on the Toomemagi hill, the former location of the Tarbatu fortress (600 AD). Estonia’s second largest city and historical intellectual centre, Tartu is a popular and renowned university city with a bustling nightlife (including the world’s highest-ceilinged pub, located in an old gunpowder cellar). Visits to the Stellarium and sky observations with the telescope need to be booked in advance as the facility is not open on a daily basis. The observatory was first built in 1802 as part of the University and moved to its current location in 1958. kylastuskeskus.to.ee
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Pic du Midi ObservatoryPic du Midi Observatory. In the middle of the French Pyrenees, the Pic du Midi Observatory is located at 2877 metres above sea level, offering unforgettable sights of the mountain range. Built in 1878 on a private initiative, in 1963 it hosted a NASA telescope to photograph the Moon in preparation for the Apollo mission. It currently features France’s largest telescope. Visitors are welcome to stay overnight and enjoy guided visits and regional specialities at the restaurant below the observatory. Access to the observatory is available by cable car from La Mongie or by foot, the latter only during summer months (and not for the faint-hearted). picdumidi.com
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Ishigaki-jima Observatory, JapanIshigaki-jima Observatory, Japan. Looking for an exotic tropical destination? This remote observatory is located on the Ishigaki island, in the south-east corner of Okinawa’s archipelago, between Okinawa and Taiwan (200 km from Taiwan as the crow flies). The observatory offers guided visits and dedicated stargazing events, and though well above the Equator, it boasts clear sightings of the Southern Cross. nao.ac.jp/en
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Padua Observatory, ItalyPadua Observatory, Italy. Go back in time at the Padua Observatory (Specola), a medieval tower restored as an astronomical observatory in 1767 as part of the city’s University (one of the oldest in Italy) and turned into a museum in 1994. Here, visitors can view old astronomical instruments and telescopes from the 17 and 1800s, as well as special exhibitions about astronomy. The actual astronomical observatory has long since moved about 100 km north, to Asiago, where it now hosts Italy’s biggest telescope. beniculturali.inaf.it
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Mauna Kea Observatory, USAMauna Kea Observatory, USA. The Mauna Kea Observatory is a joint project of 11 countries and is located atop Hawaii’s highest point (4205 metres above sea level), the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea. The observatories can be visited during the day until sunset, though a 4-wheel drive is required to reach them (don’t go if you previously went scuba diving). Below the summit, the Visitor Information Station (2800 metres above sea level) offers a free daily stargazing programme from 6 to 10 pm. ifa.hawaii.edu
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The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh, United KingdomRoyal Observatory Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The Royal Observatory Edinburgh is located south of the city centre on Blackford Hill. Individuals and small groups can book a visit on one of their Public Astronomy Evenings, held on Fridays from October through April and monthly in the summer. They include a tour of the Victorian telescope dome, a meteorite handling session and the use of the telescopes if weather allows (pre-booking required). The facility also hosts Astronomy Talks on Mondays. roe.ac.uk/vc
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Teide Observatory Tenerife, SpainTeide Observatory Tenerife, Spain. Fancy a look at the sun instead? The Teide Observatory in Tenerife (2390 metres above sea level) is the largest solar observatory in the world, with a dedicated Visitor Centre and guided tours held in English, Spanish and German in the early afternoon. Pick-up service is also offered at locations across the Island of Eternal Spring, and you can book a stay in the Altavista refuge, at 3270 metres of altitude. volcanoteide.com
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
El Leoncito Astronomical Complex, ArgentinaEl Leoncito Astronomical Complex, Argentina. ‘No clouds on the horizon’ will be your motto at El Leoncito Astronomical Complex, located in the eponymous park in the Argentine Northeast – the area boasts over 250 clear days a year. Regular day visits take place in the mornings and afternoons, while a limited number of visitors can participate in night visits and if granted permission, also stay overnight at the facility (2555 metres of altitude). casleo.gov.ar
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Pulkovo Observatory, RussiaPulkovo Observatory, Russia. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pulkovo Observatory is located 19 km south of Saint Petersburg, not far from the airport. Originally built in 1839, it was destroyed in the Second World War and completely restored in 1954. Its main building is crossed by the Pulkovo Meridian, the former reference point for all geographical maps of Russia. Visits by appointment only. saint-petersburg.com/museums/pulkovo-observatory Photo: Alexey Ivanov/flickr
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Special Stargazing
The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
Lowell Observatory, USALowell Observatory, USA. Witness a part of history at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was here that some major astronomical discoveries were made, such as Pluto, or the co-discovery of the rings of Saturn, and many more. Built in 1894, the Lowell is among the oldest observatories in the United States and offers a variety of programmes to its visitors. lowell.edu
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The 14 Best Astronomical Observatories Around the World.
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