Castelltallat Astronomical Observatory
Perseid meteor shower night
Exploring the secrets of astronomy in Pujalt
Sunset in the Berguedà region
Stargazing places
Sometimes, to rediscover the miracle of existence, all you have to do is look up at the sky: far from the light pollution of big cities, you can see the grandeur of the cosmos quite clearly. However, if you want to do it properly, you will need to visit an astronomical observatory. These stargazing centres are located in privileged locations, with stable atmospheric conditions and unpolluted skies, and have such powerful telescopes that, when opened, a superb show unfolds before our eyes. In the regions around Barcelona, there are several of these perfect places for stargazing. Do you know where they are?
At Paisajes Barcelona (Barcelona Landscapes), you can begin your journey to the stars at the Pujalt Observatory, an astronomy research and teaching centre located at an altitude of 750 metres. It is open to the public and offers workshops to understand and explore the sky and the different constellations that can be observed through a telescope, with the naked eye and with binoculars.
Just a stone's throw from the Salt Mountain, you will find another of these astronomical temples: the Castelltallat Observatory. At 910 metres above sea level and surrounded by unspoilt nature, its 400-millimetre diameter telescope allows you to see binary stars, planetary rings, open and globular clusters, nebulae and galaxies, as well as lunar details up to a kilometre across.
In the heart of the Barcelona Pyrenees, in the middle of Berguedà region, you will find the Pedraforca Astronomical Centre in Saldes. It features two planetarium rooms, a space simulator and two telescopes, a solar and an astronomical one. They also offer astronomy and environmental outreach activities for all ages.
On the Barcelona Coast, the Tiana Observatory is another perfect place to bridge the gap between what you know about Earth and your knowledge of the sky. Located in the Serralada de Marina Park, introductory astronomy workshops are regularly held there, where you can learn to navigate this complex universe somewhat better.
How about ending this stellar adventure at the Garraf Observatory? Located very close to Olivella, in the heart of Garraf Park, the sky there shines so brightly that it seems you can touch it with your fingers. It is actually considered one of the best observatories in the regions around Barcelona for marvelling at the night sky. It usually features a very regular schedule of activities, which typically includes observations, lectures and workshops for all audiences.
If you cannot take your eyes off the sky, head to the Sabadell observatory. This astronomical centre has been researching and disseminating the secrets of astronomy for more than twenty years.
More information:
Observatori de Pujalt Observatori de Castelltallat
Centre Astronòmic del Pedraforca
Observatori de Tiana
Observatori del Garraf
Observatori de Sabadell