OBSERVATÓRIO NACIONAL

The history of the National Observatory is astonishing. Located in the São Cristóvão district of Rio de Janeiro, it was founded by D. Pedro on October 15, 1827, with the aim of teaching and practicing astronomy and geodesy in the region. Its main objectives also included the geographical study of the Brazilian territory and the teaching of navigation. Knowing your territory allows you to control it better. It is one of Brazil's oldest institutions dedicated to research, teaching and technology. Its origins probably date back to 1730, when the Jesuits set up an observatory in Rio, at Morro do Castelo. In 1780, the Portuguese astronomers Sanches d'Orta and Oliveira Barbosa built a new observatory on the same site, to carry out astronomical, meteorological and magnetic surveys. In 1808, the observatory's equipment was transferred to the Royal Military Academy. For several decades, the observatory seemed to be left to its own devices. The Minister of War, Jérôme Francisco Coelho, decided to completely reorganize it in 1845! With the proclamation of the Republic in 1889, what had previously been known as the Imperial Observatory of Rio de Janeiro officially became the National Observatory. Moved several times until 1920, to the Fortress of Conceição or back to the Morro do Castelo, it was definitively established on its present site in 1920. It was first administered by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 1930, at which point its research and scientific programs expanded significantly. Since 1999, it has been under the authority of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Today, the observatory seems out of time and out of town. Preserved by its restricted access, a visit to the observatory reveals a veritable scientific campus, housing a number of fine optical pieces (astronomical telescopes) and splendid domes. A visit requires a good dose of diplomacy, and advance authorization. As there are no authorized personnel on site, visits are subject to availability. At the risk of repeating ourselves, it's best to get to São Cristóvão by cab, or to take a cab as soon as you leave the eponymous metro station. Check with your hotel to make sure the observatory is open, as opening times vary considerably.