The National Observatory of Mexico chose to locate their huge telescopes high atop a mountain in Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Martir, at an elevation slightly higher than 9200 feet above the Sea of Cortez.  Due to the clarity of the pristine air, lack of light pollution, and generally clear skies, this observatory has become known to the scientific community as on of the finest facilities of its kind in the entire world.  This beautiful observatory is perched high on a ridge in the remote Sierra de San Pedro Martir overlooking the San Felipe desert, and on a clear day, I'm told that mainland Mexico can be seen, many miles across the Sea of Cortez.

Photo:  The National Observatory of Mexico, at km 100, which is the end of the road.  Note the HumVee in the parking lot.

To reach the observatory, one simply drives east on the main road, as the observatory is located about 10 miles east of the ranger station.  If you're planning to visit the observatory, and the Parque Nacional Sierra De San Pedro Martir, keep in mind that you must bring your own food, gas, water, tools, etc., as the park and the observatory DO NOT provide ANY services to visitors.  The scientists and astronomers live at the site all year, even during the winter when the road is closed by snow, but they must bring in their supplies via snow cat.  Power is generated on-site, and water is piped in from 5 miles away.

Photo:  This spectacular photo is looking north from the deck on the east side of the observatory.

Photo:  Looking northeast, toward the San Felipe desert.

Despite the fact that it was cloudy and rainy during much of my visit, all I can say is WHAT A VIEW!  During brief breaks in the cloud cover, I was able to clearly see down into the San Felipe desert and to the Sea of Cortez, and I was able to take in breaktaking views of craggy, mountain peaks.  I'm told that on a clear day, you can easily see the Pacific Ocean to the west, but on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, I didn't get the privilege and all I could see was gray rain clouds.

Photo:  Looking south toward another spectacular mountain peak, shrouded in clouds.

The observatory is open to visitors from the hours of 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, but I didn't make it up there until after 1:00, so I didn't get to go inside and view the giant telescope.

Photo:  If it wasn't for the clouds, you'd be able to see San Felipe and the Sea of Cortez from this view, as one of the employees pointed me in this direction.  You can see the San Felipe desert, almost 9000 feet lower than the vantage point from where this photo was taken.

Even if the weather isn't ideal, the drive up to the observatory is very worthwhile, and you'll be treated to a view that you won't easily forget.  I'm glad I made the drive.

 

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