Llano del Hato National Astronomical Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The Llano del Hato National Astronomical Observatory is Venezuela's principal astronomical facility, set high in the Venezuelan Andes above the village of Llano del Hato.
About Llano del Hato National Astronomical Observatory
Known in Spanish as the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional de Llano del Hato, this is the country's main observatory, assigned the International Astronomical Union observatory code 303. It sits at 3,600 metres above sea level, near Apartaderos, about 50 kilometres northeast of Mérida in Mérida State.
Location & getting there
The observatory occupies one of the highest points reachable in the Venezuelan Andes, in Mérida State. Use the map and directions on this page to plan a route from Mérida through Apartaderos; the high mountain altitude means it's worth allowing time to acclimatise.
Visiting Llano del Hato National Astronomical Observatory
The observatory's operator, CIDA, maintains an official website at cida.ve with current information on tours and access. Check there or search recent listings before travelling, since opening hours at high-altitude research sites can change.
See your named star from here
From 3,600 metres in the clear Andean air, the night sky over Llano del Hato is exceptional for stargazing. A Star Register certificate gives the exact coordinates of your named star, which staff or an app can help you locate from a site like this. Name a star or browse the catalogue to see stars already named.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.