Here at the I.N.A.F. – Osservatorio astronomico di Trieste – Stazione osservativa di Basovizza we stand. It is more than just a building. It is a window to the universe.
The Trieste Astronomical Observatory is a major center of the National Institute of Astrophysics. Its observation station is located near Basovizza. It is open to the public. The observatory’s research spans from the Sun to distant galaxies. It studies stars and the early universe. High-energy physics and astrobiology are also researched here.
The I.N.A.F. – Osservatorio astronomico di Trieste pays special attention to young people’s training. It teaches undergraduate and PhD courses at the University of Trieste and SISSA. The observatory also funds scholarships and doctorates. Public education is a key activity. The Specola Margherita Hack telescope is central to this. Thousands visit it each year.
The Basovizza observatory welcomes visits. People can observe celestial bodies using dedicated telescopes. Astronomers guide these observations. Schools benefit from the interactive Exploracosmo multimedia lab. The remote-controlled SVAS telescope enhances learning.
The Trieste Astronomical Observatory collaborates with SOFOS. This association promotes science education. Together they manage activities for schools and the public.
Groups and schools can visit on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11 a.m. Visits are also available after sunset. Individuals can visit on Wednesday or Friday after sunset. There is a limit of 25 individuals per visit. Groups can have up to 50 people in two shifts. Visits last 90 minutes or 120 minutes for large groups.
The cost is 6 euro per person. Children up to 12 years old pay 3 euro. Groups or classes pay 120 euro. Larger groups pay 240 euro. These costs are subject to VAT where applicable.
To reach the I.N.A.F. – Osservatorio astronomico di Trieste from the railway station, take bus 39 or 51. Get off at Via Gruden in Basovizza. Head towards the center of Basovizza. Take the first right back to Strada per Basovizza. Turn left onto Strada per Basovizza. Look for a white sign with an arrow indicating the observatory. Follow that road to the end.
From the city center, follow signs for the university and then Basovizza. In Basovizza, follow signs for Pesek. The Basovizza observatory offers a unique experience. It combines education and exploration.
The I.N.A.F. – Osservatorio astronomico di Trieste also has sites in town. These are Villa Basevi and Villa Bazzoni. The Basovizza station was founded in 1966. The observatory itself dates back to 1753. It began with the nautical school founded by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. In 1851, an observatory was built. In 1923, it joined the list of Italian astronomical observatories.
The I.N.A.F. – Osservatorio astronomico di Trieste contributes significantly to astronomy and astrophysics. It participates in projects like the ESO Very Large Telescope. It also works with the Large Binocular Telescope and the European Extremely Large Telescope.