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The project was promoted by the municipality of Combarbalá and the Planetarium of the University of Santiago de Chile. It features domes and observation domes with 16-inch telescopes and showrooms.



The Cruz del Sur Observatory refers to the astronomical constellation Cruz del Sur, a reference point for the southern skies. One of its domes is dedicated to the Planetarium. The domes that form the greater shaft of the cross are oriented according to the meridian of the place, that is, pointing to the north and south cardinal points. It is in these domes that the 16 ”(inch) Ritchey-Chrétien type LX200-ACF telescopes are housed. 14 ”LX200-ACF Ritchey-Chrétien type telescopes work on the domes that point to the East and West.

he place has 4 observation domes, with different types of telescopes, organized as the constellation “Cruz del Sur” and a multimedia room used for informational and educational purposes that complements the observation.



Although the astronomical center is focused on tourism, it is also possible to use the instruments in a professional way since their disposition and high technology make it possible to carry out important investigations.



It also has an amphitheater with capacity for 200 people, which is suitable for talks, presentations and all kinds of artistic or academic activities.











It is located in the town of Combarbalá, in the Coquimbo region.



Coquimbo is 12 km away. south of La Serena and 462 km. north of Santiago. It can be reached:



By plane

You must travel to La Florida de La Serena airport and then take locomotion to Coquimbo. Alternatives include taxis and public transportation.



By car

From the north or south you must travel along Route 5 in the direction of Coquimbo or La Serena. From Copiapó it is 344 km. and from Iquique 1,397 km. To the south, from Santiago there are 462 km. and from Los Vilos 231 km.



By bus

There are continuous frequencies from La Serena and neighboring resorts to Coquimbo. From Santiago there are departures every day. Check with the respective terminal.



Boat

Access by boat is limited to international cruise ships that arrive at the port of Coquimbo.







This is one of the largest astrotourism centers in South America.

The office and ticket sales are in the Illustrious Municipality of Combarbalá, Plaza de Armas Nº166 Telephone numbers: (56 - 53) 741033 (56 - 53) 741007 and for more information you can visit the website.

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