Observatorio Astronómico de Cabezo de la Jara
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Seven kilometres from Puerto Lumbreras in the Murcia region of Spain, the Observatorio Astronómico de Cabezo de la Jara sits at around 1,247 metres elevation - high enough, and dark enough, to have earned Starlight Stellar Park status.
About Observatorio Astronómico de Cabezo de la Jara
Inaugurated in 2001 and directed by members of the Astronomical Association of the Region of Murcia, the observatory occupies a building of more than 80 square metres, including an astronomy classroom equipped with CCD cameras for astrophotography and video.
Telescopes & research
Its main instrument is a Meade LX200 12-inch reflecting telescope, used during guided public sessions that combine introductory astronomy lectures with both naked-eye and telescopic observation.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits at roughly 1,247 metres elevation, about 7 km from Puerto Lumbreras in the Murcia region of southeastern Spain. In February 2020 the site was designated a Starlight Stellar Park by the Starlight Foundation in recognition of its dark, unpolluted skies.
Visiting Observatorio Astronómico de Cabezo de la Jara
Guided visits combine an introductory talk with observation sessions, both naked-eye and through the telescope. A 1.5 km ecotourism trail with a scale model of the solar system runs nearby, making a visit here easy to combine with a longer walk.
See your named star from here
A Starlight-certified site with a 12-inch telescope is an ideal place to actually find a star named through Star Register in the sky. Check the catalogue for your star's exact coordinates before booking a guided session.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
