Visiting the observatory 2014

The huge Grantecan telescope at sunset, Roque de Los Muchachos, La Palma
The huge Grantecan telescope at sunset

La Palma is home to one of the three most important astronomical observatories in the world. (The other two are Hawaii and the Atacama desert in Chile.) The observatory sits at the top of the island, at the Roque de los Muchachos. It’s a fascinating place to visit, but it’s not normally open to tourists – they’re too busy doing science. However, you can sign up for a 90 minutes visit for 9€ per person. More details at http://starisland.co.uk/articles/visiting-the-observatory/

The MAGIC gamma ray telescope, Roque de los Muchachos observatory, La Palma
The MAGIC gamma ray telescope, Roque de los Muchachos observatory, La Palma

Posted by sheila

Sheila came to La Palma with a six month contract and has stayed 24 years so far. She used to work as a software engineer at the observatory, but now she's a writer and Starlight guide.

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