Cotobade Astronomical Observatory

Cotobade Astronomical Observatory stands at 652 metres above sea level in Campo da Poza, in the Cerdedo-Cotobade area of Galicia, Spain, on the western slope of Mount Coirego.

About Cotobade Astronomical Observatory

The observatory opened in 2011, the result of a collaboration between the cultural association Canón de Pau and the Sirio astronomical association of Pontevedra. Its building, featuring a 4-metre dome, was designed by architects César and Magdalena Portela, and construction was funded by a 150,000-euro subsidy from Galicia's Regional Ministry of Industry under the 2006-2010 Research, Development and Technological Innovation Plan.

History

The land on which the observatory stands was granted by the Community of Montes de Carballedo for 25 years, following forest fires that affected the area in 2006. The project turned that granted land into a dedicated astronomy site at the foot of Mount Coirego.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's 4-metre dome houses a Meade LX200 ACF telescope with a 40-centimetre aperture, used for public and educational observing sessions.

Location & getting there

Cotobade Astronomical Observatory sits at 652 metres elevation in Cerdedo-Cotobade, Galicia, on Mount Coirego's western slope, a rural highland setting in Spain's northwest.

Visiting Cotobade Astronomical Observatory

No official website is listed for the observatory, so visitors should check with the Sirio astronomical association of Pontevedra or search for current opening dates and public observing sessions before travelling.

See your named star from here

With its 40-centimetre telescope, Cotobade Astronomical Observatory is well equipped to help locate the exact coordinates on your star naming certificate. Look up your star's designation in the star catalogue before your visit.