Frei Rosário Astronomical Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
High on the Serra da Piedade ridge near Caetés, Minas Gerais, the Frei Rosário Astronomical Observatory has the distinction of being Brazil's first modern observatory.
About Frei Rosário Astronomical Observatory
The observatory is run by the Department of Physics at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), managed day to day by the university's astronomy group, Grupo de Astronomia da UFMG.
History
It was inaugurated on November 9, 1972, about 65 kilometres from Belo Horizonte, and holds the title of the first modern astronomical observatory built in Brazil.
Telescopes & research
Its primary instrument is a 60cm diameter reflector telescope, used both for observational research into stellar populations and related phenomena and for public outreach.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits at 1,751 metres elevation on Serra da Piedade, in the South America region, near Caetés, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Visiting Frei Rosário Astronomical Observatory
UFMG opens the observatory to the public on the first Saturday of every month and during major astronomical events. Check the official website for the current schedule before you travel.
See your named star from here
With a 60cm research telescope and regular public open houses, this mountaintop site is a genuine option for viewing a star you've named with Star Register. Bring the coordinates from our catalogue to a first-Saturday open house.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.