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Lalibela Research and Astronomical Observatory Project

LRAOP · also known as the Lalibela Astronomical Observatory Site Testing Project

Testing two mountain sites near Lalibela, in north-eastern Ethiopia, as places for an international optical and infrared observatory. It is the largest space science project the Society manages.

Vision: Establish and run one of the best astronomical research sites in the world.

The two sites

Abune Yosef and Abohay Gara, about 9 km apart in the mountains around Lalibela.

Abune Yosef

Lasta district, Lalibela

Position: 12°8′22″ N, 39°10′55″ E
Altitude: About 4,300 m
Wind: Very stable in direction, mostly from north of east, 3–4 m/s
Temperature: 8–14 °C by day, 1–5 °C at night, outside seasonal changes
Humidity: Moderate, 30–50%, with low water vapour

Abohay Gara

Gidan district, Lalibela

Position: 12°4′25″ N, 39°8′12″ E
Altitude: 4,140 m
Sky: No artificial light pollution, low cloud cover
Air: High altitude means less absorption and scattering of starlight
Setting: Largely free of human activity, and of wind off the Red Sea

Mission

Establish the Lalibela site as an internationally accepted optical and infrared observatory, through site testing to standard scientific procedures.
Complete the study of every potential site in Ethiopia quickly, so it can serve the whole world.
Drive high-quality research and discovery in science, technology, space exploration, education and innovation.