The Serra La Nave Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on Mount Serra La Nave, in the territory of the municipality of Nicolosi, in the province of Catania, in Italy. It is managed by the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF).
The observatory was founded in 1959 and is one of the most important in Italy. It is equipped with several telescopes, the largest of which is a reflecting telescope with a diameter of 1 meter. The observatory is used for scientific research in various fields of astronomy, including galaxies, quasars and extrasolar planets.
The observatory is open to the public for guided tours and observation evenings. It's a great place to admire the night sky and learn about the universe.
- Opening hours: The observatory is open to the public for guided tours and observation evenings. Guided tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm and 6pm. Observation evenings are held on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to 12am.
- Cost: The ticket for guided tours is €5.00 for adults and €3.00 for children. The ticket for observation evenings is €10.00 for adults and €5.00 for children.
How to get
The observatory is located about 20 km from Catania. You can reach it by car or bus. By car, take the A19 motorway towards Catania-Messina and exit at Nicolosi. Follow the signs to the observatory. By bus, take bus AST 534 from Catania to Nicolosi. The bus stops about 1 km from the observatory.
Things to see and do
In addition to guided tours and observation evenings, at the Serra La Nave Astronomical Observatory it is possible to visit the museum, which houses a collection of ancient and modern astronomical instruments. You can also take a walk in the observatory park, which offers spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian coast.
Advice
It is advisable to book guided tours and observation evenings in advance, especially during high season.
For observation evenings, it is advisable to dress warmly, as the temperature can drop significantly in the evening.
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views of the night sky.
Serra La Nave Astrophysical Observatory - National Institute of Astrophysics
Address: Contrada Serra La Nave, 95030 Contrada Serra La Nave, Catania
Phone: 095911580
Site:
http://www.oact.inaf.it/Location inserted by
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