Copernicus was right - there is nothing more beautiful than the heavens! Especially when we are talking about the skies over Kraków. To see for yourselves, come to the JU Astronomical Observatory for an evening tour.
Attendees will be able to see astronomical devices such as telescopes. If the weather permits, the programme will also feature observations of the Sun (through a filter) as well as Venus and Mars. Should the skies prove cloudy, participants of the meeting will be able to chat with experts working at the Observatory and see a presentation of the research carried out there.
Details
On 3 June, a bus will pick up groups of 20 people every hour, beginning at 5.30 p.m., from the stop located on ul. Piłsudskiego ('Uniwersytet Jagielloński 01') and drive them straight to the Observatory. To take part in the event, you must first register by calling the number (+48 12) 61 61 290 from 17 to 23 May (8.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m.). You can choose your preferred hours, but take care, as the number of places is limited.
The first two tours (from 6.00 to 8.00 p.m.) are geared towards families with children, who will not be able to take full advantage of astronomical instruments due to their age.
A tour will take about 45 minutes.
About the Observatory
The Astronomical Observatory is an Institute within the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. It is named after Nicolaus Copernicus and is based at Fort Skala, some 10 km (6 miles) west of the center of the city. Travel is through either of the settlements of Bielany or Zakamycze.
The University was founded in 1364, the Observatory - in 1792. Since that moment scientific program of the Observatory has covered observations of the positions of the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter satellites, stellar occultations, celestial mechanics of the Solar System and binary stars, meteorological observations, research of eclipsing binaries, the rotation and figure of the Moon. A detailed history of the Observatory is available.
Currently, there are about 40 scientists, actively carrying out research in the following fields: cometary physics, photometry and modelling of variable stars, the observation of radio emission from the Sun, extragalactic radio sources, active galagtic nuclei, the insterstellar and intergalactic medium, galactic physics, magnetic fields in the Universe and the large-scale structure of the Universe. The research is often in cooperation with a number of other institutions both in Poland and abroad, using a wide range of instruments and satellite observations.