Observatorio Astronómico de El Torcal

A MAGICAL PLACE FROM WHERE TO DISCOVER THE UNIVERSE

There are many reasons that make the El Torcal Astronomical Observatory a privileged place from which to discover the Universe: It is located in a natural setting with its protection laws in its entirety, 1,200 meters high, with excellent road communications from any Andalusian province to which to add that El Torcal is the geographical center of Andalusia, and with other leisure offers in the Visitors Center that allow us to get to know this place in greater depth, whose relief makes night astronomical observations have a special magic that makes The Torcal of communion between heaven and earth.

As an Astronomical Observatory for Public Use, although it will dedicate part of its time to research, its own and with collaborations, its main objective is that of Public Use, that is, to allow citizens to enjoy and make use of a facility perfectly equipped with powerful observation instruments, guided by an expert staff both in their knowledge of the sky and in didactic and dissemination experience.

The El Torcal Astronomical Observatory will have activities open to the public throughout the year, many of them specially designed for schools or tourist groups. The observations will not only be nocturnal, there will also be daytime with the Sun as the sole object of attention, so that, using different filters, we can contemplate the solar activity itself. It is a sensation of seeing the Sun "burn" !.

Other activities that will take place at the El Torcal Astronomical Observatory are the digital planetarium sessions (for schools and on request at www.auladelcielo.es), courses, talks, exhibitions, workshops and others.

Other information

Duration of the sessions: The activities, in general, last 2 hours. Themes and level: Depending on the interests of the group, its level and the visibility of the sky during the session. In general, you will learn about the Moon and the planets (those visible), the stars, figures and constellations at the time, and deep-sky objects (galaxies, nebulas, star clusters). Calendar: For the general public: - Night-time observations are mainly on Saturdays, and some Fridays of the year, except on dates during which an astronomical phenomenon of special importance occurs, for which it will also open (see monthly activities) - Daytime observations are mainly on some Sundays of the year. (see monthly activities) For groups: Both night-time an daytime observations will be requested in advance and could be scheduled for times agreed to by both parties.