Dogsheaven Observatory

Dogsheaven Observatory is a private astronomical observatory on the outskirts of Brasília, in Brazil's Federal District, run by amateur astronomer Paulo Cacella for deep-sky imaging, spectroscopy, and occultation work.

About Dogsheaven Observatory

Operated by Paulo Cacella, Dogsheaven Observatory is registered under the observatory code X87. The site is built around a 20-inch telescope used for a mix of occultation timing, deep-sky imaging, and both low- and high-resolution spectroscopy — a combination that lets a single small observatory contribute to several different areas of amateur astronomical research.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's main instrument is a 20-inch telescope, chosen specifically to support occultation observations (timing when an asteroid or other body passes in front of a star) alongside general deep-sky imaging and spectroscopic work. As of a 2013 update, the observatory building was still under construction, using a temporary moveable roof rather than a permanent dome. An all-sky camera at the site has continued recording sky activity in recent years, with logged data as recently as August 2025, and Cacella documents the observatory's equipment and projects on a dedicated blog.

Location & getting there

Dogsheaven Observatory is located in the Federal District of Brazil, near the capital Brasília, in South America. Its position close to a major city means observers benefit from reasonably easy access balanced against the light pollution typical of a capital region.

Visiting Dogsheaven Observatory

As a privately run amateur facility rather than a public visitor attraction, Dogsheaven Observatory doesn't appear to publish general opening hours. Anyone interested in visiting or collaborating should reach out via the observatory's blog or check current contact details before making plans.

See your named star from here

Because a star named through Star Register is defined by precise coordinates, an observer with a telescope like the one at Dogsheaven Observatory could, in principle, be pointed at it. Browse the star catalogue to find your star before reaching out to an observatory near you.