Tonantzintla Observatory

Tonantzintla Observatory is the historic National Astrophysical Observatory campus in Puebla operated by INAOE, inaugurated in 1942 and associated with the Schmidt Camera that helped place Mexican astronomy on the world stage. Current INAOE visitor guidance lists free school visits for educational institutions on Tuesdays and Fridays at 09:45, subject to availability and prior registration; the approximately three-hour programme generally includes a science conference, telescope and museum visits, and a third activity. School groups may have up to 40 people, and no group is admitted without prior registration. Free public night observations at the historic Schmidt Camera take place on Thursdays at 19:00 from October through March, with limited capacity; request a date online or call INAOE’s outreach office at (222) 266 31 00 ext. 7013, Monday–Friday 09:30–17:00. Visitors should wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes; food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited during night observations. Visitor parking is at the Institutional Technology Park about 500 metres away; buses should drop visitors at the Luis Enrique Erro corner and park there, while campus bus entry is arranged in advance only for groups with people with disabilities or older adults. This is a working research campus, so confirm the date, programme, weather and accessibility guidance before travel. Contact visitas@inaoep.mx. Address: Luis Enrique Erro 1, Santa Maria Tonantzintla, San Andres Cholula, Puebla 72840, Mexico.