OBSERVATORIO DE SIERRA NEVADA

The Sierra Nevada Observatory is a high mountain observatory (2 896 m!), located in the area of Loma de Dílar, in the ski resort of Sierra Nevada, about twenty kilometers southeast of Granada. It is operated, developed and managed by the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA - CSIC). It consists of a main building with two telescopes of 1.50 m and 0.90 m in diameter in addition to other astronomical facilities, owned by IAA projects and other scientific institutions. The site is quite exceptional, dominating some ski slopes and the seats around. Snow and bad weather conditions make it difficult for most of the year, visits take place only in July and August, with good weather conditions. They take place only during the day and take place with the help of Azimuth Spain, professional specialized in the teaching and dissemination of astronomy, in collaboration with the University of Sierra Nevada University and with Cetursa Sierra Nevada S.A. Two packages are offered to the visitor, with an appointment at the hostel. the Sierra Nevada University (Hoya de la Mora), at 11:00 a. m. Registered participants must access them by their own means (but a long distance bus runs from the Granada Bus Station - Carretera de Jaén, with a departure at about 9:00 a. m. - inquire before change). Once the visitor group is assembled, astrophysicists give a small awareness conference aimed at all audiences on astronomy (optical) and radio astronomy. A lunch is then served at 1:00 p. m. (included in the price) and at about 3 p. m. the group is in minibus until the observatory. It is then usually divided into two (depending on the number of participants) to succeed on the two main sites, that of buildings and cupoles on one side, and the radio astronomy antenna of 30 m in diameter (IRAM) on the other. It is also accessed by a short hike (about 15 minutes), accompanied by a mountain guide at the University-University. These visits last about an hour, during which information is available (in Spanish and possibly in English) on the various astronomical installations. The end of the visits shall be at around 6:15 p. m. It is at this stage that the programs differ according to the packages… Those who take the day package return to their vehicles, those who take the package over two days stay on site and enjoy a snack followed by a very convivial dinner. In the evening, observations are made to binoculars and behind performing telescopes. Other activities are also on the menu, such as discussions and sensitization on the practice of astronomy. Excellent organization requires, during the night another snack is planned in case of fringal. The short night of sleep (well deserved) takes place in the hostel. In the morning, breakfast close the visit. In view of the price and the quality site, the package over two days is much better, combining theoretical discovery of the site and practical activities (observations). Moreover, according to the groups, discussions quickly become user-friendly and generalist (especially during meals), with all visiting persons not necessarily leading specialists in the question or knowledgeable lovers.