Spanish National Observatory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 
The Royal Observatory (1790)
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The Spanish National Observatory (OAN) is a special place in Spain where scientists study space. It has different buildings and telescopes in the Madrid area.
Since the 1800s, the Observatory has published a yearly book. This book shares important information about what they have learned.
The Royal Observatory: A Historic Place
The main building of the National Observatory is the Royal Observatory. Its full name in Spanish is Real Observatorio Astronómico de Madrid. You can find it in the beautiful Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid.
This historic observatory was built a long time ago, in 1790. It had a special telescope made by a famous scientist named Herschel. This observatory took over the job of studying the stars from another naval observatory in the south of Spain.
A famous architect named Juan de Villanueva designed the building. It is a great example of Spanish neoclassical architecture. This style uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. The round top part of the building looks like a classical temple.
Today, the Observatory keeps old scientific tools and equipment. You can visit it if you arrange it beforehand. It also has a library filled with books about space.
Yebes Observatory: A Modern Hub
Yebes Observatory is a newer, modern facility. It is located north-east of Madrid. You can find it in the countryside near Guadalajara. This observatory uses advanced technology to continue studying the universe.
See also
In Spanish: Observatorio Astronómico Nacional (España) para niños
- Yebes Observatory RT40m
