Ampimpa Observatory

Only for astronomy enthusiasts 

In Tucumán, on the eastern slope of the Calchaquí mountain range, an astronomical observatory allows visitors to try to understand the secrets of the universe.

It is not comfortable. Only for those who are willing to spend a cold night, typical of a high altitude refuge, in a small and unglamorous cabin; almost like a school adventure camp.

Perhaps it is suitable only for fanatics who can bear the discomfort of the scrutiny of the moon, the sun and its crowns, some constellation and one or another planet, depending on the night light according to the lunar phase.

The experience begins in the afternoon with a self-guided outdoor activity that tells the temporal history of the universe and the planet we inhabit.

Then, an instructional video by the owner of the site, Alberto Mansilla, teaches in simple terms the immeasurable distances of the restless space. It also gives an overview of the history of astronomy.

The observatory was created in 1985, with the purpose of observing Halley's comet, precisely in Ampimpa due to its strategic geographical location, 2560 meters above sea level, with very few clouds and very pure skies.

After a modest dinner, we began the disorderly rounds of observation in small groups, to see the moon in its immensity and then some stars.

At dawn, Julio, a member of the community of the area and in charge of the visits to the observatory, passes by each cabin announcing the next sighting, which allows a glimpse of Jupiter, the largest in the solar system with its Galilean satellites (four are its most notorious moons). It is the largest celestial body after the sun with a clear red spot surrounding it. Next, perhaps the highlight of the night: Saturn with its characteristic rings.

Finally, when the sun is about to appear after sunrise, a view of its rays is offered by the use of a solar coronagraph.