Monte Viseggi Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia in Italy, the Monte Viseggi Astronomical Observatory — officially named for astronomer Luciano Zannoni — sits at 347 metres above sea level.
About Monte Viseggi Observatory
The observatory is run by the Association of Amateur Astronomers of La Spezia (AAS), which built it on the site of disused anti-aircraft positions dating from around 1935.
History
Construction began in 1982 and the observatory was inaugurated on 14 April 1989 by astrophysicist Margherita Hack. In 1996, it was upgraded for digital photography and asteroid research, work that has since led to the discovery and naming of six asteroids in the main belt.
Telescopes & research
Since its 1996 upgrade, the observatory has used digital imaging for asteroid-hunting work, contributing six named main-belt asteroid discoveries to its research record.
Location & getting there
At 347 metres above sea level on Monte Viseggi, the observatory has clear views down over the Gulf of La Spezia and the surrounding Ligurian coastline.
Visiting Monte Viseggi Observatory
The Association of Amateur Astronomers of La Spezia (AAS) runs the site; check their website or local tourism listings for the current schedule of public observing nights before visiting.
See your named star from here
An observatory with a track record of asteroid discoveries is a fitting place to look for your own named star. A star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates that observers here or anywhere else can use to find it. Explore our naming packages or search the catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.