Cerro El Roble Observatory

Cerro El Roble Observatory is a research facility with advanced telescopes located in the Chilean Coast Range mountains at 2,185 meters elevation. The site has multiple observation areas and research spaces designed for studying celestial objects from the Southern Hemisphere vantage point.

Chile's national astronomical authority established this mountain station in 1968 with Soviet support, which provided a Maksutov telescope. The international partnership shaped the development of modern observational capabilities in South America and made the site a key scientific center.

The observatory serves as a learning center where researchers, students, and visitors gain access to the southern sky and understand how astronomers work. People come here to connect with the cosmos and discover the scientific methods used to study distant stars and planets.

The mountain location requires visitors to be prepared for higher elevation and challenging terrain. Bring appropriate footwear and clothing, as weather and visibility vary significantly depending on the season.

The facility received Minor Planet Center observatory code 805, making it a registered station for tracking asteroids and celestial objects worldwide. Few visitors realize that the site routinely collects data on small planetary bodies, contributing to global astronomical archives.

Location: Cerro El Roble

Official opening: 1968

Elevation above the sea: 2,185 m

GPS coordinates: -32.97620,-71.01480

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:08