Tataka observatory

Tataka observatory refers to a stargazing location at Tataka Saddle in Yushan National Park, Nantou County, Taiwan.

About Tataka observatory

Tataka Saddle is best known as a visitor centre and stargazing location within Yushan National Park, sitting at roughly 2,600 metres of elevation. Rather than a single dedicated telescope facility, it functions as a popular high-altitude spot where the mountain air and distance from city lights make for notably dark skies.

Location & getting there

The site lies in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, in the mountains of Taiwan, within one of the island's most celebrated national parks. Its elevation and remoteness from urban light pollution are what draw stargazers to the area.

Visiting Tataka observatory

As a national park visitor site, Tataka is generally accessible to the public, though visitors should check Yushan National Park's current access rules, road conditions and any permit requirements before heading up, especially given the high elevation.

See your named star from here

Few places offer skies as dark as Tataka's mountain saddle, making it an excellent spot to look for a star named in someone's honour. With clear night air and minimal light pollution, the coordinates of any named star can be picked out with a telescope pointed skyward. Browse the star catalogue or name a star to begin.