Barlad Observatory

In Vaslui County, in eastern Romania, Barlad Observatory combines a working astronomy programme with the region's only digital planetarium, run as part of the local "Vasile Pârvan" Museum.

About Barlad Observatory

Barlad Observatory operates as the Astronomy Section of the "Vasile Pârvan" Museum in Bârlad, Vaslui County. It works closely with Astroclubul "Perseus," the local astronomy club, running weekly observation sessions and educational programs for the public and for students.

History

The observatory was founded in 2006. In 2010 it opened a digital planetarium, described as the first of its kind in Vaslui County and one of only a handful in Romania at the time, expanding its programme beyond telescope observation into planetarium shows.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's principal instrument is a Meade LX200 telescope with a 250mm mirror, used for regular observation sessions. A Lunt solar telescope, with a 152mm aperture and 900mm focal length, allows dedicated observation of solar prominences and flares. Researchers and amateur astronomers connected with the observatory have been credited with the discovery of 81 variable stars that bear the name Barlad.

Location & getting there

The observatory is in Vaslui County, in the Moldavia region of eastern Romania.

Visiting Barlad Observatory

Barlad Observatory runs weekly astronomical observations and educational programs open to the public, along with shows in its digital planetarium. Check the observatory's own channels for current session schedules before visiting.

See your named star from here

With a 250mm telescope and an active observing programme, Barlad Observatory is well equipped to help you find a star named through Star Register. Name a star as a gift, or browse the star catalogue to see stars already registered.