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Pan American experiences
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Argentina |
ARGENTINA ------------------------------------------439[EXPERIENCE] ON A CLEAR NIGHT | |||
El Leoncito Observatory in Barreal, ArgentinaBy Jazmin Agudelo for Ruta Pantera on 10/9/2025 10:25:08 AM |
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| Imagine a sky so pristine that the stars seem within reach, a place where the silence of the cordillera is broken only by the hum of telescopes probing the universe. This is no cosmic dream—it’s the reality of the El Leoncito Astronomical Observatory, known as CASLEO, nestled within El Leoncito National Park in Barreal, San Juan Province, Argentina. Perched at 2,552 meters above sea level, this complex is not only a stronghold of astronomical science in South America but also a tourist destination inviting enthusiasts and experts to connect with the cosmos. With over 270 clear nights annually, its unique conditions make it a paradise for stargazing, rivaling international observatories.
From a Visionary Idea to a Cutting-Edge Complex The origins of CASLEO trace back to the mid-1940s, shortly after the inauguration of the 1.52-meter telescope at the Bosque Alegre Astrophysical Station of the Córdoba Astronomical Observatory. The concept of a major telescope for the southern hemisphere gained momentum in 1958 when Dr. Jorge Sahade, after consultations in the United States, recommended a 2.15-meter instrument similar to the one at Kitt Peak, Arizona, with an estimated cost of $2 million. In the 1960s, scientists from Yale University confirmed the exceptional conditions of the site donated by Héctor Hilario Zamarbide, noting its clarity, low humidity, and absence of light pollution. |
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The complex was formally established on May 10, 1983, through an agreement between the Subsecretariat of Science and Technology (SUBCYT), the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), the National University of La Plata (UNLP), the National University of Córdoba (UNC), and the National University of San Juan (UNSJ). Inaugurated on September 12, 1986, by President Raúl Alfonsín, it began operations on March 1, 1987. The main telescope remained stored for 20 years in La Plata before its transfer. In 1993, the area was designated a Strict Nature Reserve, and in 2002, it became part of El Leoncito National Park, spanning 70,000 hectares to protect the sky from light pollution, under Provincial Law Nº 5771. Today, CASLEO celebrates over 40 years of contributions to astronomy, with a state investment exceeding $20 million.
A Sanctuary in the Heights Located in the Calingasta Department, 40 km south of Barreal, CASLEO sits on the western slopes of the Sierra del Tontal, at the foot of the Andes. Its coordinates are 31°47′55″S 69°17′44″W, at 2,552 meters above sea level, within a 70,000-hectare Astronomical Reserve that ensures dark skies with an average of 270-300 clear nights per year. The site was chosen for its desert climate, low winds, and minimal pollution, surpassing even some international observatories in atmospheric clarity. The facilities span over 2,000 m² of covered space, with lodging capacity for 20-42 people in separate buildings for scientists and visitors. They include precision mechanics workshops, electronics, optics, and computing laboratories, a self-sustaining power plant with generators, and continuous energy systems for sensitive equipment. Additional telescopes are located on Cerro Burek, 5 km away, under international agreements. The complex is not accessible for individuals with mobility limitations due to stairs and uneven terrain. Tools to Explore the Cosmos The heart of CASLEO is the Jorge Sahade Telescope (JS), a 2.15-meter Ritchey-Chrétien reflector—the largest in Argentina—owned by UNLP, weighing 40 tons and mounted on a 15-meter concrete base. It features instruments like a photometer, spectrograph, polarimeter, and detectors for direct imaging, calibrated daily. Others include the Helen Sawyer Hogg Telescope (HSH) of 24" (0.61 m), from the University of Toronto, operational since 1997; the Solaris-4 Telescope for searching circumbinary exoplanets, part of a Polish network; the Southern Hemisphere Astrolabe (ASH), operable remotely under an agreement with Spain; and the Submillimeter Solar Telescope (SST) for studying solar flares, in collaboration with Brazil. An additional solar telescope analyzes sunspots and solar cycles, and a 35 cm MIR telescope allows outdoor observations. Maintenance includes mirror aluminizing in a vacuum chamber. Advances in Southern Astronomy CASLEO serves global astronomers, evaluating semiannual proposals for observation time. Its research focuses on planetary science, modeling the formation and evolution of planetary systems through numerical simulations and observations of Solar System objects. It contributes to studying collision impacts, orbits, and risks from near-Earth asteroids, such as the event that wiped out the dinosaurs 60 million years ago. The SST monitors solar flares continuously since 2001. The observatory supports geophysics and geology by measuring magnetic/electric fields and Earth crust movements via satellites. Its remote operation enables observations from anywhere, fostering international collaboration. From Day to a Starlit Night CASLEO welcomes around 6,000 visitors annually, promoting sustainable tourism and outreach. Visits are controlled to avoid research interference, limited to those over 10 years old; young children are not admitted. Reservations are required via visitascasleo.com or direct contact. Day Visits: Tour of facilities, explanation of the main telescope, history, and research. Duration: 30-40 minutes, with informative panels. Night Visits: After dinner, guided observation of planets, stars, nebulae, constellations, and the Moon using the outdoor MIR telescope. Duration: 1h 30min. Preferably on moonlit nights for amateurs. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Overnight options are available for educational groups or tourists. Passionate guides like Celina provide professional insights. Reactions range from awe to repeat seasonal visits. Arrive by personal means around 5:00 PM to avoid light pollution. Barreal’s Charm Barreal offers stays at places like Posada Paso de los Patos and activities such as windsurfing in Pampa del Leoncito or visits to the national park. Explore Sanmartinian history in nearby valleys. El Leoncito Observatory is more than a scientific hub—it’s a gateway to the universe, blending history, innovation, and natural wonder. Visiting it means lifting your gaze to connect with the infinite. |
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References: CASLEO. (n.d.). CASLEO | Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito. https://casleo.conicet.gov.ar/ CASLEO. (n.d.). Night visits | CASLEO. https://casleo.conicet.gov.ar/visitas-nocturnas/ CONICET. (n.d.). Guardian of stars. https://www.conicet.gov.ar/guardian-of-stars/ ICOM Argentina. (2018). Complejo astronómico “El Leoncito” (CASLEO) [PDF]. https://icom-argentina.mini.icom.museum/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2018/12/complejo_astronimico.pdf Visitas CASLEO. (n.d.). Visitas CASLEO – Sitio de Reservas. https://visitascasleo.com/ Wikipedia. (n.d.). Complejo astronómico El Leoncito. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complejo_astron%C3%B3mico_El_Leoncito |
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