The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) established its first space observatory at Entoto Mountain, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on October 24 2013, Capital reported.

The Observatory is installed 3,200 meters above sea level on the Entoto Mountain, an ideal location because of its minimal cloud cover, moderate winds and low humidity, according to experts.

The project is the first phase of a space exploration program, which includes the region’s largest observatory.

“The optical telescope is mainly intended for astronomy and astrophysics observation research,” said observatory Director, Solomon Belay.

The Observatory is equipped with two telescopes, each one meter wide, is capable of detecting “extra planets, different types of stars, the Milky Way, and deeper galaxies,” Solomon added.

The USD 3.4 million Observatory run by the ESSS is funded by Ethio-Saudi business tycoon Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi.

The Ethiopian Space Science Society is also planning to install a second observatory on the mountains of Lalibela, 4,200 meters above sea level in Northern Ethiopia.

Source: Capital