Yebes Observatory

Yebes Observatory, known in Spanish as the Centro Astronómico de Yebes (CAY), is the main scientific and technical facility of the National Geographic Institute of Spain, located in Yebes, Castilla-La Mancha.

About Yebes Observatory

Rather than a single optical dome, Yebes is a multi-instrument site dedicated to geodesy, radio astronomy and solar observation, reflecting its role as Spain's national geographic and astronomical research hub.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's facilities include two radio telescopes, a solar tower, an astrograph and a gravimeter. Its most powerful instrument is the RT40m, a 40-metre radio telescope, one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Location & getting there

Yebes Observatory sits in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, at coordinates 40.53°N, 3.09°W.

Visiting Yebes Observatory

Public visiting arrangements are not confirmed here; as a working scientific facility, access may be limited. Check the National Geographic Institute of Spain's website or contact them directly before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

A facility built around a 40-metre radio dish is a striking reminder of how precisely astronomers can point at a single set of coordinates in the sky — exactly what makes it possible to find a named star's right ascension and declination. Name a star or browse the catalogue of stars already named.