Wise Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Negev Desert, Israel
The Florence and George Wise Observatory stands at 875 meters elevation near Mitzpe Ramon, featuring a one-meter telescope for celestial observations.
Tel Aviv University and the Smithsonian Institution established this research facility in 1971, naming it after the university's first president, George Schneiweis Wise.
The observatory serves as Israel's only professional astronomical center, supporting research projects by staff and students from multiple scientific departments.
Researchers can access the facility through competitive time allocations, with approximately 170 clear nights available annually for astronomical observations.
The Minor Planet Center acknowledges this facility for discovering seventeen numbered minor planets between 1999 and 2007.
Location: Negev
Inception: 1971
Official opening: 1971
Elevation above the sea: 875 m
Website: http://wise-obs.tau.ac.il
GPS coordinates: 30.59583,34.76333
Latest update: March 18, 2025 07:52
Makhtesh Ramon National Park
5.6 km
Ein Avdat
25.7 km
Ben Gurion's Desert Home
31 km
Shivta
34.1 km
Nitzana
44.3 km
Yeruham lake
45.6 km
David and Pola Ben Gurion graves
28.6 km
Lotz Cisterns
17.4 km
Har Ramon
16 km
Moa (Nabataeans city)
38.6 km
Golda Park
46.9 km
Metsad Saharonim
16.8 km
חרותות סלע בהר הנגב המרכזי
25.2 km
Nekarot fortress
24 km
Metzad Mahmal
18.9 km
חורבת קצרה
31.4 km
Midreshet Ben-Gurion library
28.3 km
Bir Asluj War Memorial
46.7 km
Oil exploration camp in Mount Avnon
46.7 km
Bio Ramon
4.3 km
The Turkish train bridge in Auja El Hafir
46.4 km
Matzad Maagura
30 km
Turkish Railway Bridge over Lavan Stream
39.8 km
חורבת הרועה
35.8 km
Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute
28.2 km
Way of Peace
45.4 km
Sabha Cistern
31.8 km
Coloured Sands
47 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes