ROSA observatory

ROSA Observatory is a network of remote-controlled observatories in the southern French Alps, built specifically for deep-sky astrophotography under some of the darkest skies in France.

About ROSA Observatory

ROSA was founded in 2008 by Karel Teuwen and Daniel Marquardt. What began as two domes has since grown to four domes plus two roll-off roof observatories, all sited in a low light pollution area chosen deliberately for astrophotography. The observatory draws members from four European countries who operate its instruments remotely over the internet.

Telescopes & research

The site is equipped for careful monitoring of sky conditions, including a Davis Weather Station, a Unihedron Sky Quality Meter for measuring sky darkness, and an SBIG seeing monitor to track atmospheric stability. Together these let members choose the best moments for imaging faint deep-sky objects.

Location & getting there

ROSA sits in the southern French Alps, near the Alpine border, within the Europe region. Its elevated, low-light-pollution setting is central to its purpose as an astrophotography site. Use the map and directions on this page to find it.

Visiting ROSA Observatory

ROSA is designed for remote, internet-based use by its members rather than as a walk-in visitor site. If you are interested in its work, its official website is the best source for current details.

See your named star from here

With ROSA's dark skies and precision equipment for locating faint targets, a named star's right ascension and declination could readily be tracked down here. Name a star, or browse the star catalogue to see stars already named by others.