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Access to the observatory

The Las Asomadas Observatory (OLA) is located on the summit of the island of El Hierro, on the northwestern edge of the escarpment that surrounds El Golfo at 1,354 metres above sea level.

To get to the observatory, take the road from Valverde to Frontera along the summit (not through the tunnel) and turn off onto a dirt path that cuts across it at kilometre 13.5. There are no specific signs on the road, but there are signs about 20 metres away on the path itself; if you are coming from Valverde, turn right and if you are coming from Frontera, turn left at that point.

The signage, already on the path, is a sign with the name "OBSERVATORY" that clearly indicates the beginning of the path marked with white beacons that, in about three hundred meters, ends at the door of the observatory.

  Coordinates: 27º44'52" " N   17º59'10" W  

  

ACCESS PLAN

SUGGESTIONS FOR OBSERVATIONS

The path to access the Observatory is relatively short and well marked, so the walk is not difficult. You can go up in a vehicle, but the path has some potholes and the lights of the cars interfere with the observation, dazzling those in the observatory. Therefore, unless there are people who need it (very small children, people with reduced mobility, etc.), it is advisable to leave the vehicles in the small esplanade next to the main road.

SYou can go up with flashlights, although on moonlit nights it is not really necessary. However, for the same reasons as before, you should not aim them at the observatory (only at the ground). Those who have them should preferably use flashlights with red light.

In an astronomical observatory, due to the time of day and the altitude, it is always cool, if not downright cold. Even in August, when it is common for temperatures to be around 18ºC at eleven o'clock at night, it can be a bit cold if you have to spend some time outside; therefore, you should always bring some warm clothing; this advice is particularly useful for children and the elderly. In winter, it is not unusual for the temperature outside (and inside the telescope dome) to be 8°C.