Loiano observatory

Loiano observatory, also known as the Loiano Astronomical Park, sits along the Appennine ridge some 37 kilometres from Bologna, Italy.

About Loiano observatory

The site is managed by INAF, the Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio di Bologna (OAS Bologna), and combines two working telescopes with a planetarium and a didactic hall for public education.

Telescopes & research

Loiano's older instrument, the Zeiss Telescope, dates from 1936 and is used mainly for public outreach. Its larger neighbour, the Cassini Telescope, has a 152 cm mirror, was inaugurated in 1976, and remains the second-largest telescope in Italy, used for active research. More recently the site has added the TANDEM telescope array, built for Space Surveillance and Tracking work.

Location & getting there

The observatory lies along Strada Statale 65 (the Futa road) on the Appennine ridge, about 37 kilometres from Bologna. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your route from the city.

Visiting Loiano observatory

Loiano's didactic hall and planetarium point to a site set up for public visits; check current tour schedules and hours via davide2.bo.astro.it or a recent search before travelling.

See your named star from here

The Cassini Telescope's 152 cm mirror is capable of pointing at precise coordinates across the night sky, the same principle used to locate a named star. With the RA/Dec on your Star Register certificate, you or an observatory guide can find your star from Loiano's Appennine ridge. Name a star or browse the catalogue.