Galáctica Museum, with a guided tour of the domes and the control room

Galáctica is the outreach centre of the Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón (CEFCA), which runs it with the company AstroÁndalus, and its museum explains astronomy at the foot of the mountain where it is done: above, on the Pico del Buitre, the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory works. It is in Arcos de las Salinas, 78 km from Teruel and a little over 100 from Valencia, with a large car park in front.

Five rooms, from the observatory to the Big Bang

The museum is visited in five zones. The first is the range's own observatory and its telescopes; the second, how an astrophysicist works today and what amateur astronomy contributes; the third goes from the Big Bang to the galaxies; the fourth deals with sky quality, light pollution and space debris, and the last, "Stars of Astrophysics", is dedicated to nine women scientists. Almost everything is hands-on modules, audiovisuals and immersive displays. On the self-guided visit you get a card that activates the modules and adapts the content to adults or children, with an audio guide in Spanish, English or French.

With an educator: domes and control room

Self-guided admission costs €13, €10 reduced and for residents of Arcos, and €8 up to age 10. Guided admission costs €16 (€14.50 reduced, €12 up to age 10 and for residents) and adds an educator for an hour and a half: they explain the modules, answer questions and take you to the observation domes and Galáctica's control room, which you can't enter on your own. Under-4s enter free for both. The website does not detail who is entitled to the reduced rate: ask before you buy.

Hours by season

Galáctica opens all year in two sessions. From 1 November to 31 March, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:30 to 19:30; from 1 April to 15 June and from 16 September to 31 October, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00; in summer, from 16 June to 15 September, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 21:30. The times of the guided visits appear in each date's calendar when you book. You can leave and re-enter within 15 minutes by showing your ticket.

Wheelchairs yes; domes no

The main building is wheelchair accessible, but Galáctica does not lend wheelchairs. The domes on the guided visit are reached by spiral staircases and have little space, so they are out of reach for anyone who cannot climb them. The car park is temporary and does not yet have reserved spaces.

No restaurant at Galáctica

Galáctica has no restaurant: bring water and something to eat, or book in Arcos de las Salinas or at the El Paraíso restaurant of the Manzanera spa, 28 minutes away. The building has a shop with souvenirs and products of Teruel's cuisine.