Astrophysical Observatory of Javalambre

Did You Know?

• The observatory's initial objective is to map all visible space to study Dark Energy and Astrophysics.
• It carries out two main projects: J-PLUS and J-PAS.
• A percentage of observation hours is given to other research projects through competitive access calls, such as J-ALFIN, MUDEHaR, and North-PHASE.

History

In the late 1980s, a search for quality astronomical sites in the Iberian Peninsula identified the Sierra de Javalambre as a candidate. The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Government of Aragon, through its Research Advisory Council, approved and financed a proposal to study the area for an observatory and astrophysics research center. Funds covered equipment and two PhD scholarships, while the City Council and Provincial Council of Teruel contributed material and a third grant. Studies were conducted with limited resources; in situ measurements were possible only from May to September 1992 using a 25 cm Meade telescope with a photometer, photographic camera, and later a CCD, installed on a 6-meter tower. A radiometer and basic weather station were also used. Satellite data from 1983 to 1988 supplemented the observations. Due to insufficient funds for winter and spring infrastructure, measurements stopped; the telescope and equipment were later loaned to the Asociación de Astrónomos de Teruel and installed in San Blas village. The data indicated a quality site for seeing, extinction, and sky background, with a dark sky and no aerosols. Satellite data showed 53% completely clear days and 17% overcast days, but the short observation period did not yield statistically valid conclusions, only pointing to the site's potential.

Telescopes

The OAJ has two professional wide-field telescopes: the JST250, a 255 cm telescope with a 7.06-degree field of view used for the J-PAS survey, and the JAST80 with a 3.14-degree field of view. It also hosts the on-ground demonstrator of the ARRAKIHS mission. Both telescopes are equipped with panoramic cameras using large-format CCDs and a unique set of optical filters designed to map the Universe across the optical spectrum.