AstroCamp
THE FIRST TELESCOPE HOSTING SITE IN EUROPE
or visit https://www.astrocamp.es/
AstroCamp is located in an ideal area for astronomical observation, on high peaks in Nerpio, Albatece, Spain. Nerpio is in Southeastern Spain, surrounded by the mountain ranges in Granada and Murcia and the famous Cazorla National Park, largest in Spain and second in Europe.
The site is equipped with everything necessary to host robotic telescopes to be used remotely via Internet.
AstroCamp's goals are:
To bring astronomy closer to everyone
To popularise high-quality astronomical observation
To make use of one of the last clean-sky regions in Europe and create a singular environment for astronomical observations
To popularise knowledge about space
To foster rural development and quality tourism in the region
Location
Nerpio is probably the southernmost point in Europe with minimal light pollution. It is a protected area with very high biological and landscape value, without any air pollution. Its peaks, around two-thousand meters high, represent the ideal location to set up a telescope.
In this environment is where amateur and professional astronomers find their most valued treasure: clean and dark skies.
The location itself, together with its access to electricity and high-speed Internet, are an unique combination where AstroCamp has set up its hosting site.
Infrastructure and Resources
Optimal location to install telescopes
Excellent sky quality. Darkness level (SQM) is magnitude 21.5 (worldwide maximum is 22)
Altitude 1650 m. Laminar wind, absence of turbulence
Two hosting options:
Domes for individual telescopes
Shared Shelters with motorised roof for telescope group
Auxiliary infrastructure
Electrical power: Uninterrupted Power Supply
Broadband: Fiber Optic with Satellite link as backup
Services
Telescope hosting
Space rental specially conditioned for telesopes, pillar and all services needed.
Technology designed to serve remotely-controlled telescopes.
Domes for individual telescopes.
Motorised roll-off roof shared shelters for several telescopes.
Transportation to hosting site.
Complete System setup including scope and software installation, alignment and everything needed for a turn-key service.
Cleaning and aluminization of mirrors.
Electrical power and high-speed Internet.
In-situ technical support.
Security and safety.
Telescope Rental via Internet
AstroCamp has an Agreement with the Telescope time Rental Company iTelescope. Part of the telescopes hosted in AstroCamp (currently 3) are connected to that company so anyone can rent time from telescopes located in USA (New Mexico), Australia and Spain (Nerpio).
How to reach Nerpio
Nerpio is a place within a natural environment, which cannot be directly reached by highways. However, it is located very close to the densely populated beaches that are the preferred holiday areas for tens of millions of tourists every year. A number of international airports are close at hand and a dense network of highways reaches close enough to Nerpio, but not too close to disturb.