Makes Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Observatoire des Makes sits on the Plaine des Makes plateau above Les Makes, in the town of Saint-Louis on Réunion Island - a French overseas territory in the southern Indian Ocean known for dark, clear skies.
About Makes Observatory
Perched at over 1,000 meters elevation on the Plaine des Makes, the observatory takes advantage of Réunion Island's clear tropical skies, which offer good views of southern hemisphere constellations not visible from mainland France.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located in Les Makes, part of the town of Saint-Louis on Réunion Island, a French territory east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
Visiting Makes Observatory
Visitors can find current opening times and tour details on the observatory's official website, or by calling the site directly at +262 262 378 683.
See your named star from here
From its high, dark-sky perch on Réunion Island, Makes Observatory is well placed to help track down a star you've named with Star Register, especially southern hemisphere stars not easily seen from Europe. Check the catalogue for your star's exact coordinates.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.