Astronomical Observatory of Moquegua
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
High in the Peruvian Andes near Carumas, the Astronomical Observatory of Moquegua marked a milestone for Peruvian science: the first observatory run entirely by Peruvian scientists to receive a Minor Planet Center code from the International Astronomical Union.
About the observatory
The observatory is operated by CONIDA, the Comisión Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Aeroespacial, Peru's national space agency under the Ministry of Defense. Its main instrument is a 1-metre Ritchey-Chrétien telescope, standing 4.175 metres tall, known locally as the Moquegua telescope.
Telescopes & research
Researchers at Moquegua focus on stellar occultations caused by small solar system bodies such as trans-Neptunian objects and asteroids, work that depends on the site's clear, high-altitude skies.
Location & getting there
The observatory's initial site sits at roughly 3,300 metres elevation in Carumas, Mariscal Nieto province, Moquegua region, Peru, with CONIDA planning a permanent facility at nearby Cerro Sasahuine, at around 4,500 metres.
Visiting
Peruvian authorities have highlighted Moquegua as a potential astrotourism destination, though as a scientific research facility it's best to check with CONIDA directly about visiting arrangements before travelling.
See your named star from here
A research-grade telescope at high Andean altitude offers exceptional views of the night sky, including the coordinates of a named star. Look up your star's position in the star catalogue before making enquiries about a visit.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
