San José Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Buenos Aires, Argentina
San Jose Observatory sits in the central tower of San Jose school and is reached by a wooden staircase built in 1870. The space contains a classroom for up to 20 people with educational materials and a French-made telescope for viewing.
The facility was founded in 1913 and became the first active astronomical research center in Buenos Aires. It was established during a period of growing scientific interest in Argentina.
The observatory displays restored brass instruments that show how astronomers worked here for many decades. Visitors can see these tools today and understand how scientific observation was done in the past.
Visitors should know that the narrow wooden staircase requires physical effort to climb to reach the tower space. Tours and courses run by reservation, so it is best to contact the facility in advance before visiting.
The centerpiece is a French-made Mailhat telescope that has been fitted with modern eyepieces to enhance viewing of sky objects. This rare instrument shows how historical equipment was combined with newer technology.
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