UTP astronomical observatory

The UTP Astronomical Observatory in Pereira, Risaralda, is run by the Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira and ranks among Colombia's most active public astronomy sites.

About UTP Astronomical Observatory

Operated through the university's Grupo de Investigacion en Astronomia Orion, the observatory is one of only three in Colombia to hold International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center certification, a mark of the precision of its positional astronomy work.

Telescopes & research

Research at the observatory spans the social appropriation of space sciences, the study of minor bodies in the solar system, stellar astrophysics and radio astronomy. A student research group, Semillero Voyager, gives undergraduates a direct role in ongoing projects, and the site maintains its own meteorological station alongside its telescopes.

Location & getting there

Pereira sits in Colombia's Coffee Region, in Risaralda Department, with a mild mountain climate that suits both agriculture and astronomy. The observatory forms part of the Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira campus.

Visiting UTP Astronomical Observatory

The observatory runs public didactic experiences and a themed evening show, "Pereira Bajo las Estrellas" ("Pereira Under the Stars"), on a weekly basis; check the university's observatory pages for the current schedule and booking details before visiting.

See your named star from here

Between its minor-planet tracking and public stargazing shows, UTP Astronomical Observatory is well equipped to help visitors find specific points in the sky. If you've named a star, its coordinates could be located from a site like this one; explore more in the star catalogue.