Holomon Observatory

Holomon Observatory sits on the slopes of Mt. Holomon near the village of Taxiarchis in Chalkidiki, Greece, run by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki within its University Forest.

About Holomon Observatory

Established in 2004, the site combines an astronomical observatory with accommodation, a restaurant, a meteorological station, and conference and teaching rooms, making it a base for both research and astronomy education. Its original instruments were a 10-inch Meade and an 11-inch Celestron telescope on fixed mounts, alongside a portable telescope and two smaller auto-guide telescopes.

History

Founded in 2004 by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Holomon Observatory has more recently taken on a second role: in 2026 it became host to an optical ground station operated by Astrolight, using an 808nm laser beacon and a C-band optical receiver to test satellite laser links reaching data speeds of 2.5 Gbps.

Telescopes & research

Alongside its original Meade and Celestron telescopes used for research and teaching, Holomon now also supports satellite optical communications experiments through its Astrolight-operated ground station, sitting alongside its astronomy programme rather than replacing it.

Location & getting there

The observatory is set on Mt. Holomon in Chalkidiki, northern Greece, within the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki's forest estate near Taxiarchis village, at a wooded, elevated remove from city lights.

Visiting Holomon Observatory

With on-site accommodation and a restaurant, Holomon Observatory is set up to host visiting groups; check the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki's observatory pages for current visiting and booking arrangements.

See your named star from here

Between its research telescopes and its dark forest setting, Holomon is well placed to find a named star at its exact coordinates; look up your star's position in our catalogue before you visit.