We can change how you see the universe!
- Night time activity
- Day time activity
Get to know the astronomical observatory at Calar Alto, the facilities and science that is carried out there.
The Astronomical Observatory of Calar Alto is the largest in continental Europe, with professional telescopes up to 3.5 metres aperture. It is operated jointly by the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (Spain) and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg (Germany), producing a joint venture of international science.
The visit consists of an instructive lecture about the observatory, the scientific use of telescopes in astronomy, followed by the visit to the building of one of the telescopes *. The tours are guided by qualified personnel with scientific training. The approximate duration is 1.5 hours.
* The telescope to visit depends on the availability due to scientific and maintenance tasks. And usually the first choice will be the 3.5-metre telescope.
• It is essential to bring enough warm clothes because the observatory is situated at 2200 metres altitude and the domes are cooled to the outside night temperature scheduled for that night. This applies even in summer. The conditions in the mountains are unpredictable and can change dramatically in short periods of time.
Visitor reception centre at the western entrance of the Observatory. See Map.
Plan | Description | Price | Group size | Time |
School Groups | Special prices and content adapted for the age group. Also best availability for dates during school terms. | 6€/student | 55 students | 12:00 |
General | Minimum of 25 people. Exclusively on defined dates and subject to cancellation if mínimum numbers are not reached. | 12€/person | Visit 1 – 10:00
Visit 2 – 12:00 |
|
Groups | Minimum cost up to 25 people. | from 300€* | 12:00 |
*Please inform us of the exact numbers of people attending for a detailed quote.
Plan | Description | Price | Group size | Time |
School Groups | Special prices and content adapted for the age group. Also best availability for dates during school terms. | 6€/student | 55 students | 12:00 |
General | Minimum of 25 people. Exclusively on defined dates and subject to cancellation if mínimum numbers are not reached. | 12€/person | Visit 1 – 10:00
Visit 2 – 12:00 |
|
Groups | Minimum cost up to 25 people. | from 300€* | 12:00 |
*Please inform us of the exact numbers of people attending for a detailed quote.
Night time activity of astronomical observation with portable telescopes
Calar Alto Observatory is set in a privileged place where the night sky is protected by law to provide exceptional conditions for scientific study.
Taking advantage of these particular conditions we offer a special guided tour through the universe. By observing the night sky and learning about some of the investigations carried out at the observatory, we can achieve a better understanding of the universe around us.
We begin with an introductory talk on the premises of the observatory, to learn about the research in astrophysics done from Calar Alto, followed by an interpreted observation of the night sky with portable telescopes around the observatory.
3 hours.
36€ per person with a minimum group of 10 and maximum of 15.
Visitor reception centre at the western entrance of the Observatory. See the map.
If you are interested in booking this activity to be carried out privately for your family or group of friends please get in contact with us by email or telephono. This activity is subject to a minimum fee of 360 euros.
Calar Alto Observatory and Azimuth offer you the unique and exceptional opportunity in Europe to use for viewing, the professional research 1.23m telescope of the Observatory.
6 hours
199 euros/person.
Visitor reception centre at the western entrance of the observatory. See Map.