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Activity company · Arcos de las Salinas

Galáctica

A centre for the dissemination and practice of astronomy next to the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory: museum, solar and night observation with telescopes and observatory visits.

Galáctica is the astronomy outreach centre of the Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón (CEFCA), the body that built and operates the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory. It is run by CEFCA together with AstroÁndalus, an astrotourism company, and is in Arcos de las Salinas, at the foot of the range.

What it has

An interactive museum in five areas (the observatory, work in astrophysics, the universe, the sky and light pollution, and a space devoted to nine women astronomers), domes with telescopes, an amphitheatre for night observations and three main instruments: the GT80, with an 80 cm aperture; the GT40, 40 cm, on a mobile platform; and a 150 mm solar telescope with filters to see the chromosphere. It also hires out domes to anyone who wants to install their own telescope, with remote operation.

How to book

Everything is bought on its website, choosing date and time. Observations depend on the weather: with 48 hours' notice they email you if the forecast is bad, and with 24 they confirm the cancellation and offer a voucher valid for 12 months or an indoor plan. The main building is wheelchair accessible, but the domes on the guided visit are not, because they are reached by spiral staircases. The audio guides are in Spanish, English and French.

What they run

The Geocalia activities run by Galáctica, with the prices and terms they publish.

  • Small-group night with Galáctica's GT80 or Jean Assan telescope in Sierra de Javalambre Limited Edition Night Observation with the 60 cm Jean Assan From €60 per person · 2 h Small group. Sky tour with a laser and observation through the telescope Book Premium Night Observation with the GT80 From €85 per person · 3 h Small group. Starts in the control room and continues in the dome of the 80 cm telescope Book
  • Galáctica Museum, with a guided tour of the domes and the control room in Sierra de Javalambre Entry to Galáctica with a guide From €16 per adult (€12 children up to age 10; free under 4) · 1 h 30 · All year, on the days and at the times in its calendar With a science communicator; enters the domes and the control room, which cannot be seen on your own Book Self-guided entry to Galáctica From €13 per adult (€8 up to age 10; free under 4) · 1 h 30 Tour on your own, with an audio guide in Spanish, English or French Book
  • Night observation with telescopes at Galáctica in Sierra de Javalambre Themed night observation with telescopes From €25 per adult (€12 children up to age 10; free under 4) · 1 h 30 · Fixed nights; in November and December 2026, Saturdays at 20:00 Each night has a theme: a meteor shower, Saturn, the Moon, Orion. If cancelled because of weather, a 12-month voucher or an indoor plan Book
  • Observing the Sun with a professional telescope at Galáctica in Sierra de Javalambre Entry to Galáctica with solar observation From €28 per adult (€23 children up to age 10; free under 4) · 1 h · Saturdays and Sundays Includes self-guided museum entry, a short talk about the Sun and observation outdoors Book
  • Guided visit to the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory, on the Pico del Buitre in Sierra de Javalambre Entry to Galáctica with a visit to the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory From €40 per person · 2 h · Ages 12 and up · April – October Departs from Galáctica with the guide, in your own car. Minimum 4 people. Includes self-guided museum entry Book

Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change.

Practical details

Opening hours

Open all year; in winter, from 1 November to 31 March, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:30 to 19:30. Opening days change with the season: check its calendar

Languages
Spanish, English, French

Details checked on 13 November 2026.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible

Frequently asked questions

Does it have a café?

No. You can bring water and something to eat.

Are there discounts?

Yes: reduced admission for people with a disability of 33% or more, for residents of Arcos and for children up to age 10. Under-4s do not pay.

Visit their website +34 613 291 772 Directions

Independent company: you book with them, on their terms.

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Is this your company? Write to us to correct or complete the details.

Itineraries

Features in these plans

The spa's dining room, with laid tables and big windows onto the garden
Day itinerary From the Sun through a telescope to Saturn Sierra de Javalambre · 3 stops

Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/companies/galactica-javalambre-astronomy-centre