Sierra Nevada Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
At 2,896 metres above sea level on Loma de Dilar in Spain's Sierra Nevada range, the Sierra Nevada Observatory is one of Europe's highest astronomical sites, run by the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia near Granada.
About Sierra Nevada Observatory
Known officially as the Observatorio de Sierra Nevada (OSN, observatory code J86), the site is operated and maintained by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA). Its elevation among the peaks of the Sierra Nevada gives it some of the clearest, driest air available to European astronomers.
History
The observatory was established in 1981 in the province of Granada, and has operated continuously since as one of Spain's key sites for optical astronomy.
Telescopes & research
Sierra Nevada Observatory contains two Nasmyth telescopes, with apertures of 1.5 metres and 0.9 metres, used for professional research from the IAA.
Location & getting there
The site sits at Loma de Dilar in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Granada province, Spain, at 2,896 metres, among the highest observatory locations in Europe.
Visiting Sierra Nevada Observatory
The observatory opens to the public in July and August through organised, pre-booked tours; outside those months, or to confirm current dates, check the observatory's official website before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
Few places in Europe see darker, clearer skies than the peaks above Granada, making Sierra Nevada Observatory a striking place to picture your named star being tracked down. Browse our star catalogue or our naming packages to name a star of your own.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.