Sierra Nevada Observatory

The Sierra Nevada Observatory is a research facility in the mountains equipped with two telescopes for observing celestial objects. The installation sits at high elevation and was specifically designed for astronomical research.

The facility was established in 1981 by an Andalusian research institute and marked an important step in Spanish astronomy. Since then it has carried out significant observations and discoveries about space.

The site has long served as a place where researchers and visiting observers come together to watch the sky and learn about the cosmos. Summer programs bring people face to face with astronomers who share their passion for studying the heavens.

A visit needs to be planned ahead since tours operate only at specific times during summer months. Bring warm clothes as conditions at this high elevation can be cold.

The facility played a role in tracking an asteroid that passed near Earth in 2013, with its telescopes following the object across the sky. This observation demonstrated the importance of such installations in monitoring space objects.

Location: Province of Granada

Location: Granada

Inception: 1981

Official opening: 1981

Elevation above the sea: 2,896 m

Website: http://osn.iaa.es

GPS coordinates: 37.06422,-3.38470

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10