Kvistaberg Observatory

Kvistaberg Observatory sits near Bro, Sweden, roughly halfway between Uppsala and Stockholm, and once served as a working station of Uppsala Astronomical Observatory.

About Kvistaberg Observatory

The observatory belonged to the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University for decades. Since 2009, its domes and telescopes have been preserved as a public museum, letting visitors see the instruments that once tracked minor planets across the sky.

History

Kvistaberg Observatory was founded in 1948, following a 1944 donation from the artist and astronomer Nils Tamm. Its first director, Åke Wallenquist, led the observatory from 1948 to 1970.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's key instrument, a 1-metre Schmidt telescope, was installed in 1963. Its wide field of view made it well suited to survey work, and between 1975 and 2005 it helped astronomers discover hundreds of minor planets. Asteroid 3331 Kvistaberg was named in the observatory's honor. Research operations at the site ceased around 2004.

Location & getting there

The observatory stands at an elevation of 30 metres near Bro, Sweden, almost equidistant from Uppsala and Stockholm, which makes it reachable as a day trip from either city.

Visiting Kvistaberg Observatory

Since 2009, the site has operated as a public museum, so visitors can tour the domes and see the 1-metre Schmidt telescope up close. Check the observatory's page on the Uppsala University astronomy history site for current opening arrangements before travelling.

See your named star from here

A site that once surveyed the sky for minor planets is a fitting place to look for a star named through Star Register. Explore the naming packages or check its coordinates in the star catalogue ahead of your visit.