Observatório Municipal de Campinas Jean Nicolini
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The Observatório Municipal de Campinas Jean Nicolini sits in the Joaquim Egídio district, about 30km from central Campinas, São Paulo state, Brazil, within an environmental protection area known locally as the Pico das Cabras region.
About the Observatory
It opened on 15 January 1977 as the Estação Astronômica de Campinas, and holds the distinction of being the first municipal observatory in Brazil. In 1992, it was renamed in honour of Jean Nicolini (1922–1991), who founded the Observatório do Capricórnio in São Paulo in 1948.
History
Since its 1977 opening and 1992 renaming, the observatory has become a well-established fixture for public and school astronomy in the Campinas region, drawing around 12,000 visitors and students a year.
Telescopes & research
The observatory operates four telescopes with distinct characteristics, led by a versatile 0.5-metre main instrument well suited to public and school use.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits in the Joaquim Egídio district, roughly 30km from the centre of Campinas, in São Paulo state, Brazil, within a protected environmental area.
Visiting the Observatory
Given its strong focus on school and public groups, check ahead for current visiting hours and any booking requirements before travelling out to Joaquim Egídio.
See your named star from here
Brazil's first municipal observatory has spent nearly five decades introducing visitors to the night sky — a fitting place to picture a telescope turning toward the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. Name a star or browse the catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
