Cagliari Observatory

Founded in 1899 to study the Earth's rotation, the Cagliari Observatory in Sardinia, Italy, now manages one of Europe's more capable radio telescopes.

About Cagliari Observatory

The Cagliari Observatory (Osservatorio Astronomico di Cagliari, OAC) is owned and operated by Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF). Since autumn 2013 its headquarters have been in the Science, Technology and Environment Campus in Selargius, about 20 km from Cagliari in Sardinia.

History

OAC was founded in 1899 to study the Earth's rotation, making it one of the older astronomical institutions in Italy.

Telescopes & research

Today the observatory's main instrument is the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT), a large radio telescope built in the nearby municipality of San Basilio and operated by OAC staff.

Location & getting there

The observatory is based in Selargius in the metropolitan area of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, with the Sardinia Radio Telescope itself sited a short distance away at San Basilio.

Visiting Cagliari Observatory

Free guided visits to the Sardinia Radio Telescope run for about ninety minutes and combine an indoor talk at the visitor centre with an outdoor walk to view the telescope up close, weather permitting; researchers and technicians from OAC lead the tours. Bookings can only be made through the observatory's online form, not by phone or email, and entering the telescope itself is never permitted.

See your named star from here

While the Sardinia Radio Telescope studies the sky at radio wavelengths rather than visible light, OAC's staff can still help you understand exactly where in the sky your named star sits. Check its coordinates in the star catalogue, or choose a naming package before you visit.