Yunquera observatory

On the Torre de Yunquera, in the hills above Yunquera in Málaga province, Andalusia, a small remote-controlled observatory known as AstroLab has been scanning the sky for asteroids and hosting public astronomy events since 2010.

About Yunquera Observatory

Also known as AstroLab, Yunquera Observatory opened in 2010 on the Torre de Yunquera at around 730 metres elevation, in the Sierra de las Nieves natural park area of Málaga province, Andalusia. Its proximity to protected natural parkland helps keep light pollution low.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's main instrument is a 25 cm Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope fitted with a refrigerated CCD double-sensor camera. It is designed to run semi-automatically, with remote-control capability over the internet, and holds the IAU/Minor Planet Center observatory code I65.

Location & getting there

Yunquera Observatory sits at roughly 730 metres above sea level near the town of Yunquera, within the Sierra de las Nieves natural park area of Málaga province in Andalusia, southern Spain, a setting that combines mountain darkness with relatively easy access from the coast.

Visiting Yunquera Observatory

The observatory has historically hosted talks, exhibitions and workshops, along with spring and summer courses and other scientific activities for the public. Opening arrangements can change, so check current details online or with local tourism sources before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

A remote-controlled telescope built for precise sky surveys, like the one at Yunquera, is well suited to locating a star by coordinates. Every star named through Star Register comes with exactly that information; explore the star catalogue to name one of your own.