The observatory carries out research and teaching in astronomy, and promotes knowledge of this field among the general public.

The University Observatory functioned on its first site for nearly 150 years. In the early 1940s, the new plan for the University quarter involved clearing away the buildings which occupied the Patio, and the building of a more suitable observatory. In 1951, therefore, the Observatory moved to the Alto de Santa Clara, where it still teaches students, conducts research and publicises astronomy.
Here it carries out astronomical and astrophysical research in the areas of Solar and Stellar Physics, Celestial Mechanics and Extragalactic Astrophysics. Some of this work includes preparation of scientific programmes for missions of the European Space Agency, such as COROT and GAIA.

Over the years the Observatory has also made astronomical data available to the scientific and lay communities, and currently provides access to astronomical tables, solar images and an archive of stellar spectra.
It also has a museum collection of a large number of instruments for observation and measurement, both astronomical and terrestrial, as well as a collection of celestial maps and charts. The majority of the holdings date from the 18th and 19th centuries.
As part of its role, the Astronomical Observatory organises many events, some for specialists, such as conferences and lectures, and others for the general public, such as astronomical observations and school visits.

School visits:
Tues., Weds., Thurs.: 2.15 p.m.
Bookings: 239 802 375 / 239 802 379 (fax)

Pupil’s ticket € 0,75