OVM Observatory

OVM Observatory, better known locally as the Osservatorio Valmalenco, sits at 1,670 metres in the Retic Alps above Chiesa in Valmalenco, in Italy's Lombardy region.

About OVM Observatory

The observatory began as a private initiative of amateur astronomy enthusiasts, built with the patronage of the local municipality. It stands in the Braciascia-San Giuseppe locality in the upper Valmalenco valley.

History

Construction started in the summer of 2011. Of the three domes originally planned for the site, two are now fully automated and operational.

Location & getting there

OVM Observatory is set at 1,670 metres elevation in the Retic Alps, part of the Lombardy region of Italy, in Europe - high enough above the valley floor to give clearer, darker skies than the towns below. Use the map on this page for directions to Chiesa in Valmalenco.

Visiting OVM Observatory

The observatory runs themed educational and observational evenings open to the public, making it a natural stop for visitors to the Valmalenco valley. Check locally for the current schedule before making the trip up.

See your named star from here

The clear alpine air above Valmalenco makes this a promising place to look for a star you have named through Star Register. Find its exact right ascension and declination in the star catalogue, then ask about visibility on the night of your visit.