Roque Saucillo Stargazing Viewpoint

A telescope available to everyone

Located in the Vega de San Mateo, just 21 kilómetros from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Roque Saucillo astronomic observatory is easy to get to by car as it is in the town with plenty of parking and nearby amenities. It has a modern astrographic camera telescope ideal for virtual educational use and a classroom for educational activities, workshops and exhibitions.

Look at the sky surrounded by legendary stars

Looking west just after nightfall the central body of the Pegasus constellation stands out in the night sky. Vertical and to the left of the Milky Way, it’s surrounded by constellations such as Casiopea, shaped like an M, Cygnus, already setting to the west, and Pisces. The best observations periods are moonless nights in December and January when a faint smudge in the sky, visible with binoculars, just under Pegasus reveals itself as globular cluster M15. Its light takes 33,000 years to reach us,

Altitude

831 m

Protected sky

High degree of sharpness area

Observatory

Parking

Protected natural space

Restauration

San Mateo

Go to web site

Roque Saucillo. Star gazing in Gran Canaria

Roque Saucillo. Observación de estrellas en Gran Canaria

Map of Roque Saucillo Stargazing Viewpoint

Sustainability

- Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
- Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
- Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
- Turn off car headlights and do not use torches. That will help minimise the light pollution of the sky.
- If you are at an astronomical viewpoint, respect and look after the different items of public furniture (information panels, railings, seats, lighting, binoculars and telescopes, etc.).
- Try and be silent or talk quietly. The experience will be more enjoyable.