Ferdinando Caliumi astronomic observatory

On Monte Armidda above Gairo, Sardinia, Italy, the Ferdinando Caliumi astronomic observatory sits at 1,150 metres beneath some of the darkest skies in Europe.

About Ferdinando Caliumi Observatory

The observatory takes its name from Ferdinando Caliumi (1913–1993), an Italian astronomer noted for building and restoring telescopes; the asteroid 4742 Caliumi was later named in his memory. It is managed on a volunteer basis by the Ogliastrina Astronomy Association and is considered an important reference point for Italian astronomers, thanks to its isolated location and very low atmospheric pollution.

History

The observatory was built in 1992 by the municipality of Lanusei. On 19 January 2017, following a court ruling, jurisdiction over the site was transferred to the municipal administration of Gairo.

Location & getting there

The site sits at 1,150 metres on Monte Armidda, near Gairo in Sardinia, Italy, in a remote setting prized for its exceptionally dark, clear skies.

Visiting Ferdinando Caliumi Observatory

The observatory is open to the public; check with the Ogliastrina Astronomy Association or search for current opening details before planning your visit into the Sardinian mountains.

See your named star from here

Few places in Europe offer skies as dark as Monte Armidda - a fitting spot to look for a star named through Star Register. Check its coordinates in the star catalogue before you go.