Hirao Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Hirao Observatory is an astronomical facility in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, contributing to collaborative research through its dedicated optical telescope.
About Hirao Observatory
The observatory operates a 0.20-metre f/8 Ritchey-Chrétien telescope fitted with a CMOS camera and a focal reducer, a setup suited to imaging and photometric work as part of broader collaborative astronomical research.
Location & getting there
Hirao Observatory sits in Yamaguchi Prefecture, in western Japan, an area that offers darker skies than Japan's larger metropolitan regions.
Visiting Hirao Observatory
Public visiting details for Hirao Observatory are not widely published; check with the operating institution or local astronomy contacts before planning a trip.
See your named star from here
A Ritchey-Chrétien telescope like the one at Hirao is capable of resolving faint targets at precise coordinates, including a named star; find yours in our catalogue before you go.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
