The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) invites the public to visit the Teide Observatory (Izaña, Tenerife) during the weekend of 21 and 22 June, coinciding with the week of the summer solstice. The activity is part of its Open Days, a free science outreach initiative organised by the Observatory itself together with the IAC's Scientific Communication and Culture Unit (UC3).
Over two days, those attending will be able to tour some of the most important scientific facilities at the centre, learn how they work from the technical and research staff, and make live solar observations.
Each day will be divided into two shifts, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, with a tour lasting approximately three hours. The itinerary will include nine informative stops along the paths of the site, with explanations in Spanish given by IAC professionals.
Capacity is limited to 225 people per shift, with a total maximum of 900 visitors during the weekend. To ensure proper logistics, only cars occupied by at least four people, as well as motorbikes and bicycles, will be allowed access. Vehicles with less occupancy will not be admitted.
Those interested in participating must register in advance via an online form. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to those applications that meet the eligibility criteria. The deadline will be open until Monday 17 June or until all tickets are sold out.
Access to the venue will be available from 09:00 hours for the morning session and from 15:00 hours for the afternoon session. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes in advance.
Access rules and recommendations
To ensure a safe and organised visit, visitors are reminded that:
- Only visitors over 8 years of age may enter, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- The person in charge of the group must present their ID card or other identification document.
- Groups whose number of people does not match the number indicated on the registration form will not be allowed access.
- Access with animals is not permitted.
- The itinerary marked by the guides must be followed at all times and you must stay with the group.
- It is forbidden to smoke, light fires or fly drones in the area, which is considered a protected airspace.
Given that the Teide Observatory is 2,400 metres above sea level, it is advisable to bring at least a jacket, sun protection, suitable footwear and water. It is also advisable to check the weather conditions before going up and to keep an eye out for possible last-minute notifications via the IAC website or by email.
These Open Days are one of the many activities organised by the IAC to bring science closer to society. Throughout the year, it is also possible to request visits to the Observatory using the form available on the IAC visit's website.
