Astronomical Observatory in Tradate

The Astronomical Observatory in Tradate, Italy, opened inside the Parco della Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate on 13 May 2007, the result of a partnership between the park authority, the Municipality of Tradate, and the Gruppo Astronomico Tradatese (GAT).

About the Observatory

Research at the site is managed by the Fondazione Osservatorio Astronomico "Messier 13" (FOAM13), while public outreach is run by the AstroNatura cooperative. Its main telescope has a 65cm diameter and an f/5 focal length of 3,250mm, built with a carbon-fibre frame on a Serrurier-truss structure, and it sits inside a 7.5-metre diameter dome lined with roughly 1,700 wooden ledges that help keep the interior climate stable. The site also includes a Nature Trail with an orienteering course, a sensory strip, and a newer EcoPlanetarium.

History

The observatory was inaugurated on 13 May 2007, brought about through the combined efforts of the Parco Pineta authority, the Municipality of Tradate, and the local Gruppo Astronomico Tradatese amateur astronomy group.

Telescopes & research

Its 65cm, f/5 carbon-fibre telescope is used for research overseen by the FOAM13 foundation, while public outreach and education are handled separately by the AstroNatura cooperative.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits inside the Parco della Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate, a park spanning the border of Lombardy near Tradate, Italy, alongside walking and nature-trail routes.

Visiting the Observatory

Beyond the observatory dome, visitors can explore the park's Nature Trail, orienteering course, sensory strip, and EcoPlanetarium; check the park or municipality's website for current opening times and event schedules before visiting.

See your named star from here

With a 65cm research telescope run by a dedicated astronomical foundation, the Tradate observatory is a serious option for viewing the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. See the star catalogue for more on how it works.