Valongo Observatory

In the heart of downtown Rio de Janeiro, Valongo Observatory has served as the astronomical home of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro for well over a century.

About Valongo Observatory

Valongo Observatory (Observatório do Valongo) is the astronomical observatory of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). It sits at an elevation of 14 metres in the city centre and functions as both a working research facility and a teaching institution for the university.

History

The observatory was established in 1881, making it one of the older astronomical institutions in Brazil, and it has remained tied to the city's academic life ever since.

Telescopes & research

Valongo houses a range of astronomical and scientific instruments, including three telescopes, supporting both research and the university's astronomy education programmes.

Location & getting there

Located in downtown Rio de Janeiro at low elevation, Valongo Observatory is unusual for sitting within a major urban centre rather than a remote dark-sky site, reflecting its role as a university institution rather than a purely observational outpost.

Visiting Valongo Observatory

As a university-run observatory in central Rio, Valongo periodically hosts educational and public visits. Check UFRJ's observatory website for current opening times and any visiting programmes before you go.

See your named star from here

A named star's coordinates can be aimed at from anywhere, including a historic university observatory like this one in Rio de Janeiro. Name a star or browse the star catalogue to find yours.