Algarve Observatory

Near Portimão on Portugal's Algarve coast, the Algarve Observatory - known locally as COAA - has been sharing the southern sky with visitors since the late 1980s.

About Algarve Observatory

Algarve Observatory is the public face of COAA, the Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve, founded in 1987 by Bev and Jan Ewan-Smith. It sits in Poio, near Portimão, a site chosen for the region's clear, sunny climate and its long history of favourable observing conditions.

History

COAA was established in 1987 and has since grown into a recognised centre for both amateur and semi-professional astronomy, holding IAU Minor Planet Center observatory code 965.

Telescopes & research

The site operates three Newtonian telescopes - a 0.5-metre f/4.5, a 0.3-metre f/5 and a 0.2-metre f/4.4 - alongside a remotely accessible telescope that can be operated over the internet. In August 1996, observations from the site led to the discovery of the asteroid 8225 Emerson.

Location & getting there

Algarve Observatory sits in Poio, near Portimão, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal - a coastal area prized by astronomers for its clear, dry, sunny climate.

Visiting Algarve Observatory

COAA runs public observing sessions and amateur astronomy outreach for visitors to the Algarve. Check the official COAA website for current session dates and booking details before you go.

See your named star from here

With three working telescopes trained on the Algarve's clear night sky, this is a fitting place to track down a named star given as a gift. Search the star catalogue for its coordinates, then ask observatory staff to help you find it.