Partizanske observatory

In the northwestern part of Partizánske, Slovakia, a modest domed building has been drawing local stargazers since the end of August 1988. Partizánske Observatory has spent decades introducing residents and visitors to the night sky through public viewing nights and hands-on astronomy education.

About Partizánske Observatory

The observatory's main instrument is a 150 mm f/15 Coudé refracting telescope with variable magnification ranging from 56x to 375x, suited to both planetary detail and deep-sky targets. A lecture hall seating 68 visitors supports talks and school groups alongside the observing sessions.

Telescopes & research

Staff and volunteers use the site for solar photosphere studies, timing lunar occultations, and monitoring variable stars with a CCD camera, in addition to astrophotography projects. The observatory also organises expeditions to observe meteor showers away from town lights, and in 2008 it added a SoHO (Solar and Stellar Observatory) observation post to extend its solar work.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in the Trenčín Region of western Slovakia, within easy reach of Partizánske itself. Its Coudé design, with the optical path folded back through the mount, keeps the eyepiece in a fixed position, making it comfortable for visitors of all ages to use during public nights.

Visiting Partizánske Observatory

Public sessions run on a set weekly rhythm: Wednesdays, Fridays, and the first Saturday of each month. Because opening details can shift with the seasons and weather, check the observatory's own website before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

Once you name a star with Star Register, you receive its exact coordinates. Observatory staff running a Coudé refractor like the one at Partizánske can point it at those coordinates on a clear night, letting you find your star for real. Browse other named stars in our catalogue.