Description of the attraction
The Astronomical Observatory of the autonomous Italian region Val d'Aosta was opened in 2003 in the town of Saint Barthélemy at an altitude of 1675 meters above sea level. This location was chosen due to its low air pollution and at least 240 quiet nights a year, suitable for observing the sky. Today the observatory is a unique institution in terms of its functions and the instruments used. State-of-the-art equipment allows scientific research to be carried out here at the highest level. It is also involved in a variety of educational programs for local school teachers and students. The observatory includes a meteorological center, a physics laboratory, and a computer class. A tutorial is being implemented here, consisting of two expositions and a series of illustrated panels about the solar system.
In 2008, the astronomical observatory was equipped with a planetarium designed for educational conferences, educational excursions and other events in the field of astronomy. The planetarium consists of a proper scientific building and a structure with a dome with a diameter of 10 meters, with which you can observe all celestial bodies - constellations, planets, nebulae and galaxies. Here you can reproduce the movement of the celestial sphere in order to better understand the essence of the Earth's rotation process, or observe the sky at different periods and in different places. In total, the viewing hall of the planetarium can accommodate 67 people. Every September, the colorful Star Party Festival is held with a number of thematic conferences, special events and night sky watching sessions.
