Parkes · New South Wales
Parkes Observatory — Murriyang
ResearchCSIRO radio observatory centred on the Murriyang radio telescope.
Visitor centre; the scientific site requires compliance with radio-quiet rules.
Official websiteThe portal / Astronomical observatories
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Explore places that observe the sky: major research facilities, historic observatories and sites for public discovery.
20observatories to discover
13countries to explore
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Australia
Sydney
Sydney Observatory
Historic siteA heritage observatory connecting astronomy, history and sky cultures.
Check available programmes; conservation work may restrict access to some areas.
Official websiteBelgium
Uccle
Observatoire royal de Belgique
ResearchA scientific institute studying stars, the Sun and the motions of the Earth.
Check the arrangements for organised visits and open days.
Official websiteCanada
Mont-Mégantic · Québec
Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic
ResearchA research observatory on the summit of Mont Mégantic with a 1.6-metre telescope.
Visits are arranged through ASTROLab; consult its programme.
Official websiteChile
Atacama
Observatoire de Paranal — ESO
ResearchThe Chilean home of the Very Large Telescope, dedicated to professional astronomical observation.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteAtacama
Observatoire de La Silla — ESO
ResearchAn ESO observatory on the edge of the Atacama Desert.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteSan Pedro de Atacama · Chajnantor
ALMA
ResearchAn antenna array observing gas and dust involved in star and planet formation.
Visits currently limited to educational and research institutions and media; check official updates.
Official websiteFrance
Paris · Meudon
Observatoire de Paris – PSL
ResearchAn astronomy and astrophysics research centre with historic sites in Paris and Meudon.
Public access during announced special events; no unrestricted tourist access.
Official websiteNice · Mont-Gros
Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur — Nice
ResearchThe Mont-Gros site combines astronomical heritage with an introduction to research.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteGermany
Bad Münstereifel
Radio-Observatorium Effelsberg
ResearchThe 100-metre radio telescope studies the Universe at radio wavelengths.
Visitor pavilion programme and viewpoints; check official arrangements.
Official websiteItaly
Loiano
Parco astronomico di Loiano
ResearchAn INAF site combining the Cassini research telescope with public astronomy activities.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteNetherlands
Leiden
Oude Sterrewacht Leiden
Historic siteA historic university observatory with old instruments and an exhibition space.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteSouth Africa
Sutherland
South African Astronomical Observatory — Sutherland
ResearchA Karoo observing site hosting research telescopes and astronomy visits.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteSpain
Izaña · Tenerife
Observatorio del Teide
ResearchA Canary Islands observatory particularly known for solar research.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteGarafía · La Palma
Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos
ResearchA high-altitude site hosting major telescopes and international instruments.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteSwitzerland
Zürich
Urania-Sternwarte Zürich
Public astronomyA public observatory in central Zurich offering introductions to the sky and astronomy.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteUnited Kingdom
London · Greenwich
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Historic siteThe historic Greenwich Meridian site explores astronomy, time and navigation.
Closure for renovation is announced from 2 November 2026; check official information.
Official websiteCheshire
Jodrell Bank
ResearchA major radio astronomy site with public discovery spaces.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteUnited States
Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory
Public astronomyA public observatory offering exhibitions and astronomy outreach above Los Angeles.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteFlagstaff · Arizona
Lowell Observatory
ResearchA research institution associated with the discovery of Pluto, also offering public observing activities.
Check the official website for the programme and visit arrangements.
Official websiteA non-exhaustive selection of research, public and historic observatories. Inclusion does not imply unrestricted access: always check conditions and bookings on the official website. Links checked on 20 October 2026.