The Astronomical Observatory
The Astronomical Observatory is open to the public and is at the disposal of anyone interested in its activities.
The Observatory was inaugurated on 26 August 1996 by an exceptional godmother, the astrophysicist Margherita Hack from the University of Trieste.
The Observatory’s instruments
Main instrument
- Reflecting Ritchey-Chretien telescope, diameter: 61 cm, focal length: 5 m
Secondary instruments
- Searching telescope, diameter: 105 mm, F/D = 6
- Maksutov wide-field camera, diameter: 250 mm, F/D = 3
- Takahashi fluorite apochromatic reflecting telescope, diameter: 152 mm, focal length: 1,216 mm
- F/D = 8, connected in parallel with the main instrument
Auxiliary instruments
- Series of 3 H-alpha filters for the observation of sunspots and perturbations of the sun
- Meade LX200 8-inch telescope, F/D = 10
- Meade LX200 12-inch telescope, F/D = 10, with an Altazimouth tripod and support
- Features a computerised pointing system
- CCD camera with a Thomson sensor, 512x512 pixels, 16-bit resolution
- Computer for the control of the telescopes and the storage of data and images
Eyepiece equipment and accessories for all the telescopes
The facilities at Vetta, on the summit of Monte Generoso, comprise a room equipped with multimedia resources for use in courses and conferences.
The Observatory is open to the public and all those with an interest in astronomical science.
The Insubrica Astronomy Group, which draws on the resources of the Monte Generoso Observatory, will be glad to provide experts for the guidance of visitors during observations.
Observation evenings are organised for individuals or groups with an interest in astronomy, school groups, etc.
Special evening trips on the Monte Generoso cogwheel railway can be organised for groups of a minimum of 30 persons. The train departs from Capolago and climbs to its destination, Vetta, 1,704 metres above sea level.
At Vetta, visitors will find two restaurants (one self-service), as well as double-room and dormitory accommodation (sleeping ten) for groups.
Per ulteriori informazioni:
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