MAGIC site

This web site gives a short introduction to the Roque de los Muchachos site. If you need to know more because working there, please visit the MAGIC La Palma web pages. The Roque de los Muchachos observation site is run for a multitude of astronomical and astrophysical telescopes and detectors by the IAC (Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias). The site is located at the rim of a former volcano (the caldera), on one of the Canary islands, La Palma.

To get from the airport of Santa Cruz de la Palma to the Roque de los Muchachos site, the road winds up for more than 40 km through literally hundreds of bends, many of them hairpin turns, with a difference in altitude of more than 2000m.

 

Note that people may sleep at any time of day or night, hence avoid any noise in and around the residencia. At night, be careful to avoid light pollution: turn off any unnecessary light and drive without or with minimal light - if you really have to.

Along the road, you will first notice the buildings of the Residencia, where one can sleep and eat. Some 500m on, in walking distance, you will find the MAGIC site. Still higher, you will notice the various optical and solar telescopes.

The Roque site is usually above clouds. Temperatures vary from minima of -8 (C) in January/February to maxima of +26 (C) in July/August. At daytime, don't underestimate the serious effect of the sun: if you have to expose yourself, think of sun lotion, a suitable cap, and strong sunglasses. Winds usually come from northerly sectors, but storms (up to 55 m/s!) would more typically come from Southwest.