Manuel Foster Observatory

The Manuel Foster Observatory is an astronomical facility located on Cerro San Cristóbal in Santiago, housing a large reflecting telescope inside a rotating dome. The site sits at approximately 850 meters elevation and serves as a center for observation and research work.

The facility was originally built in 1903 as Mills Observatory and operated for decades collecting astronomical data. In 1928, Manuel Foster Recabarren took ownership of the establishment, leading to the name change under which it continues to operate today.

The observatory serves as a place where people can learn about astronomy and space science through programs and exhibitions. Visitors come to understand the night sky and connect with ongoing research work done at the facility.

The site is accessible through the Santiago Metropolitan Park, which has multiple entry points and pathways leading to the facility. Visitors should prepare for an uphill walk and wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be steep and uneven.

The facility contributed to international research aimed at understanding solar motion through space using observations from the southern hemisphere. Astronomers gathered critical data here that advanced their knowledge of the Sun's position in the cosmos.

Location: Providencia

Official opening: 1903

Elevation above the sea: 850 m

Website: http://astro.uc.cl/en/divulgacion-2/foster-observatory

GPS coordinates: -33.42206,-70.63237

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05