Observatório Municipal de Americana

The Observatório Municipal de Americana sits on Rua Itacolomi in the Jardim Ipiranga neighbourhood of Americana, in São Paulo state, Brazil, between the Parque Ecológico Cid Almeida Franco and the city's botanical garden.

About the Observatory

Founded on 4 August 1985 by astronomers Nelson Travnik, Guilherme Grassmann and Jean Nicolini, the observatory has grown into what has been called a model municipal observatory, cited as an example as far afield as France and the United States. It houses the second largest telescope in São Paulo state.

History

Since opening in 1985, the observatory has built a strong public education program around its telescope and facilities, welcoming an estimated 12,000 visitors a year.

Telescopes & research

Facilities include a 40-seat lecture hall, an exhibition hall, a photographic laboratory, a library, an astronomers' office, a 4.50-metre diameter dome and an open-air observation terrace.

Location & getting there

The observatory is in Americana, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, set between the Parque Ecológico Cid Almeida Franco and the city's Jardim Botânico.

Visiting the Observatory

Public visits run Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30pm, by appointment, with free entrance. Confirm current details with the city of Americana before visiting.

See your named star from here

With 12,000 visitors a year already looking skyward through its dome, the Observatório Municipal de Americana is a natural place to seek out a star named through Star Register using its exact coordinates. Name a star or browse the catalogue.