Begues Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Begues Observatory, near Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, is an active amateur research observatory known for its wide-ranging observing programme.
About Begues Observatory
The observatory is run by Josep "Pepe" Manteca, whose observations span an unusually broad range of astronomical targets: supernovae in distant galaxies, classical and recurrent novae, meteor showers and bolides, and both the photometric and astrometric tracking of comets. It also carries out near-Earth object (NEO) astrometry and solar observation in both white light and hydrogen-alpha.
Telescopes & research
Begues Observatory remains an active site, with observations documented into 2026, contributing amateur data to the wider study of transient and near-Earth astronomical events.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits near the town of Begues, in the hills above Barcelona, in the Europe region — a setting that offers darker skies than the city itself.
Visiting Begues Observatory
As a working research observatory, public visiting arrangements are not widely published. Check the observatory's website for the latest updates before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
An observatory built around precise tracking of comets, novae and near-Earth objects works with exactly the kind of coordinates that come with a named star. Browse our naming packages or the star catalogue to name one yourself.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
