Principia observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
In Málaga, on Spain's Costa del Sol, the Centro de Ciencia Principia pairs an interactive science museum with its own astronomical observatory and planetarium.
About Principia Observatory
Part of the Centro de Ciencia Principia (Principia Science Centre), the observatory occupies a movable dome more than 3 metres across, with a telescope fitted with a CCD camera that projects live images for visitors. The centre also houses a 5-metre-diameter digital planetarium in its Faraday Room, alongside the Tomás Hormigo Room's more than 80 interactive science exhibits.
Telescopes & research
The planetarium's digital projection system recreates constellations and the movement of the Sun, and is used alongside the observatory's telescope for public astronomy programs, including free monthly astronomical shows run with the Sirius Astronomical Association.
Location & getting there
The centre is located in Málaga, in Spain's Andalusia region, on the Mediterranean coast.
Visiting Principia Observatory
The Centro de Ciencia Principia runs regular events and free monthly astronomy shows throughout the year with the Sirius Astronomical Association; check the centre's schedule for current sessions before visiting.
See your named star from here
A movable-dome telescope with a live CCD feed is built for exactly this kind of moment: pointing at one star among thousands. Bring your Star Register certificate's coordinates to Principia and see if staff can help find it during a show. Name a star or browse the catalogue beforehand.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.