Window to the Universe. Astronomical Experience with the 1.23m Research Telescope

WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE. Astronomical Experience with the 1.23m Research Telescope

The Calar Alto Observatory and Azimuth offer you the unique and exceptional opportunity in Europe to visually use the Observatory’s 1.23 m professional research telescope.

THIS IS OUR PLAN

• 5:00 p.m. – Meeting at the meeting point located at the western end of the Observatory next to the parking lot and visitor center (see annotated image) (open Google maps).
• 5:15 p.m. – Reception and welcome to the Observatory by the Session Director. Welcome tasting and introduction of the event program.
• 6:00 p.m. – Talk/presentation in the library in which you will be introduced in an entertaining way to the history and evolution of the Observatory, the relevance and scope of the science that is done from it, as well as the bases on which it is based astronomy and the study of the Universe through light.
• 7:00 p.m. – Travel to the area of the dome of the 1.23m telescope.
• 7:15 p.m. – The time has come to begin the astronomical observation activity through the 1.23m Calar Alto telescope, the jewel in the crown of astrotourism activities offered from the Observatory by the Azimuth team. We will let our imagination fly while the view through the telescope takes us from the impressive observation of planets of the Solar System, to the always delicate structure of planetary nebulae, the sphericity of globular clusters or contemplating the light of the most distant galaxies.
• 10:00 p.m. – End and farewell to the experience.

Important

– The temperature inside the telescope dome is practically the same as outside. It is essential, even in summer, to go to this activity perfectly dressed, so that the cold does not spoil the enjoyment of such a unique experience.

– Due to both the conditions inside the dome and security measures, the minimum age for admission to this activity is 12 years old.

– If you do not have experience observing through telescopes, it would be very important to consider participating beforehand in any of our astronomical observation activities “Discover the Sky of Calar Alto”. Viewing through a telescope with an aperture as large as the 1.23m is much better appreciated and interpreted after experience with smaller telescopes, which also provides appropriate context and comparison.

Meeting Point

Visitors’ reception center at the western entrance to the observatory. See Plane.