Observatory Vsetín

In the town of Vsetín in the Czech Republic, Observatory Vsetín has spent over seventy years pairing serious astronomical research with public education from its site at 385 metres elevation.

About Observatory Vsetín

Observatory Vsetín combines scientific work with outreach, running CCD comet photometry alongside lightning detection and severe storm research. It publishes its findings in the ATHENA bulletin, reflecting a long-running commitment to both study and publication.

History

The observatory was founded in 1950 by the local branch of the Czechoslovak Astronomical Society, making it one of the longer-established public observatories in the region.

Telescopes & research

Instruments include a Zeiss refractor with a 200mm diameter and 3,000mm focal length equipped for solar observation, a smaller 120mm guiding Zeiss refractor, Newton reflectors used for comet photometry and stellar occultation studies, and modern CCD cameras. This equipment supports the observatory's work in CCD comet photometry, lightning detection, and severe storm research.

Location & getting there

Vsetín sits at 385 metres elevation in the Czech Republic, in a region that blends the town's low-lying setting with nearby hillier terrain. The observatory's long operating history has made it a regular fixture for local astronomy education.

Visiting Observatory Vsetín

The observatory combines professional research with educational outreach, so it is used to hosting visitors and school groups. Check its website for current opening hours and any scheduled public observation events before visiting.

See your named star from here

An observatory that has spent decades tracking comets with precision instruments is well equipped to help locate any set of sky coordinates. Name a star with Star Register and use its coordinates on a visit to Vsetín, or explore our catalogue of named stars.