The most famous astronomical observatories in the world: where to look at the stars

Unfortunately, not everyone can fly into space. But everyone can see its unexplored depths. Today we will dive into the mysterious world of galaxies. Read below to find out where to go for a magical spectacle.

European Southern Observatory and Telescopes, Chile

An international astronomical organization headquartered in the German city of Harning. Its main stations are located in the Atacama Desert. The largest telescope in the world is located in Paranal.

The complex consists of four optical instruments, each of which has a mirror with a diameter of 8.2 meters. With its help, you can look into the depths of space with amazing accuracy.

Visitors are allowed to come here on Saturdays and Sundays. However, you need to register on the website in advance. By the way, La Silla is home to the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher, a high-precision spectrograph used to search for exoplanets.

Mount Wilson Observatory, USA

Built in 1908. It houses one of the largest telescopes in the Western Hemisphere. You can visit the astronomical center for free.

The observatory was built on Mount Wilson at an altitude of 1742 meters above sea level. By the way, the location was not chosen at random. It is here that the most favorable conditions for observation are found - the air is calmer than in other parts of North America.

The 100-inch Hooker telescope is also located here. It was through it that the famous astronomer Edwin Hubble made a revolutionary discovery. He proved that the Universe is expanding and that there are other galaxies besides the Milky Way. The research became the basis for modern cosmology and confirmed the Big Bang theory.

You can come here from early April to late November.

Griffith Observatory, USA

Construction of the attraction began in 1933, and the first visitors came here in 1935. The station was named after the American industrialist Griffith Jenkins Griffith. It was the philanthropist who donated land to the city for the construction of the astronomical center.

Here, tourists can look at the stars through the famous 12-inch Zeiss telescope. By the way, the location often appears in movies, including La La Land (2016), Terminator: Genisys (2015) and Transformers (2007).

Mauna Kea Observatory, USA

The telescope complex is located on top of the volcano of the same name. The highest point is 4190 meters above sea level. The remoteness from civilization and favorable climate have created ideal conditions for optical observations.

The station staff organizes star tours and provides free access to astronomical instruments. Tourists can come here every evening.

Greenwich Royal Observatory, United Kingdom

It was founded by King Charles II in 1675. At that time, it was used to clarify coordinates and then sent to sailors. Today it is a museum. It houses a collection of various items. In particular, the instruments used to observe the meridians and the 28-inch Grubb equatorial telescope of 1893.

South African Astronomical Observatory, South Africa

Built in 1972 at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. Today, it houses the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere with a main mirror diameter of 1100 centimeters.

By the way, the station officially organizes excursions where you can look at the stars.

Teide National Park, Spain

The largest in Spain. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is home to the eponymous observatory with dozens of huge telescopes.

Interesting fact: the island has laws that regulate light pollution and air traffic.

The station organizes excursions where you can observe not only the stars but also the activity of the Sun. In particular, you can see sunspots and flares. To attend the lecture, you need to register online in advance.

Carl Iansky Very Large Array, USA

The observatory is located on the San Agustin Plateau. It houses 27 radio telescopes 25 meters high. All of them are arranged in the shape of the Latin letter "Y".

Every year, tourists are welcomed here during the daytime. And every first Saturday of the month, tours and guided tours are held here. By the way, the location can be seen in several films, including the 2009 movie Terminator: Salvation" in 2009.

If you want to reach for the stars, head to these astronomical attractions.

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