Host Your Telescope in Europe's Darkest Skies
Tired of light pollution and cloudy nights ruining your astrophotography? Astro ARO offers remote observatory hosting in Portugal's Alentejo Dark Sky Reserve — a UNESCO-certified Starlight Tourism Destination with Bortle 2-3 class skies, SQM readings above 21 mag/arcsec², and over 200 clear nights per year.
Whether you're relocating your robotic telescope setup from the UK, Germany, France, or anywhere in Europe, our facility provides the infrastructure and support you need for unattended deep-sky imaging under pristine dark skies.
Telescope Pier Hosting Services
- Dedicated Telescope Pier Rental — Secure, fixed pier with dedicated stabilized 220V power, roof status connector, and automatic park-and-close protection. Compatible with all major equatorial mounts (10Micron, Paramount, ASA, EQ6/8, Losmandy, Celestron CGX/CGE).
- High-Speed Remote Access — Dual Starlink satellite internet for reliable remote control of your telescope from anywhere in the world. No shared bandwidth — your imaging sessions won't be interrupted.
- On-Site Technical Support — Mario, our English-speaking technical assistant, provides equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, polar alignment assistance, and emergency interventions. Helpdesk system for scheduling and tracking requests.
- Automated Weather Protection — Integrated CloudWatcher and AllSky camera monitor sky conditions in real time. Automated roof closure and mount parking protect your equipment 24/7.
- Community Platform — Image gallery, monthly astrophotography challenge (Image of the Month), knowledge base with guides and procedures, forums, and team management tools.
Why Portugal for Remote Telescope Hosting?
Portugal's Alentejo region offers some of the best astrophotography conditions in Europe:
- Bortle 2-3 dark sky classification — among the darkest in continental Europe
- SQM above 21 mag/arcsec² (measured up to 21.60)
- 200-220 clear nights per year — Mediterranean climate with dry summers
- 1-2 arcsecond typical seeing conditions
- UNESCO-certified Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve (Starlight Tourism Destination)
- 38°N latitude — excellent for both northern and southern sky objects
- 2 hours from Lisbon airport — easy access from all European cities
Compared to hosting in Spain, Chile, or the USA, Portugal offers an ideal combination of sky quality, accessibility, and value. Our DIY approach keeps costs significantly lower than commercial hosting services while delivering professional-grade infrastructure.
Limited Availability — 3 Piers Currently Available
Our observatory has 15 telescope piers across modular roll-off roof buildings. Space is limited. Contact us now to discuss your imaging setup and reserve your spot.
Whether you're upgrading from backyard imaging, looking for a Bortle 2 alternative to your Bortle 7 skies, or seeking a reliable European remote observatory, Astro ARO is built by astrophotographers, for astrophotographers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does telescope pier hosting cost?
Pier hosting is priced by telescope size, starting from €280/month (including 23% Portuguese VAT). Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific setup. Our DIY philosophy keeps costs modest compared to commercial hosting facilities in Spain or Chile.
What equipment can I host?
We accommodate refractors, Newtonians, SCTs, RCs, and CDKs on any equatorial mount. Popular setups include 10Micron GM2000/GM3000, Paramount MX+/MYT, ASA DDM, Losmandy G11/Titan, and Celestron CGX-L. You bring the mount, telescope, camera, and control computer — we provide everything else.
Can I visit to install my equipment?
Absolutely. We have on-site accommodation (furnished rooms with private bathrooms) and a swimming pool. Many customers combine installation with a holiday in the stunning Alentejo region — visit medieval Monsaraz, UNESCO World Heritage Évora, the Alqueva lake, and local vineyards.
How do I control my telescope remotely?
You connect to your dedicated control computer via remote desktop (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or similar) over our dual Starlink internet. You have full control of your imaging software (NINA, SGP, Voyager, etc.) just as if you were sitting in front of it.
The Founders Behind Astro ARO
Astro ARO was founded in 2019 by three experienced French astrophotographers and engineers: Francis Bozon, Jean Luc Gangloff, and Stéphane Gueyraud. With over 30 combined years of astronomy experience, they designed and built the observatory infrastructure themselves — from solar power systems and automated roofs to network architecture and pier construction.