Astronomical Observatory of Mount Deva
Image: Wikimedia Commons
On Mount Deva above the port city of Gijón, in Spain's Asturias region, the local astronomical society Omega has run a small but active observatory since 1995, open to the public on Friday nights.
About the observatory
The observatory is operated by the Sociedad Astronómica Omega, an Asturian astronomy society founded in 1981. Its facility is a compact cylindrical module topped with a metal dome, housing a single observation station at 410 metres elevation.
History
The observatory opened in 1995 and is affiliated with the neighbouring Mount Deva Nature Interpretation Centre, tying its astronomy programme to the wider natural park.
Telescopes & research
Beyond public viewing, the society carries out photometric and astrometric CCD observations, measuring the brightness and position of comets, asteroids, novae, and supernovae from the site.
Location & getting there
Mount Deva sits above Gijón, Asturias, in northern Spain, at 410 metres elevation, forming part of a protected natural area with views over the surrounding coastline.
Visiting
The observatory opens to the public on Friday nights, weather permitting, though it closes on nights around the full moon when its dark-sky programme isn't practical.
See your named star from here
On a clear Friday night on Mount Deva, staff can help point a telescope toward the coordinates of a named star. Check the right ascension and declination for your star in the star catalogue beforehand.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.