Piombino Observatory

Piombino Observatory has watched the skies over the Tuscan coast since 1975, built into a former coastal defence structure on the Punta Falcone promontory in Piombino, Italy.

About Piombino Observatory

The observatory was founded in 1975 by repurposing a circular coastal defence structure dating from the First and Second World Wars, giving it an unusually solid and historic setting. Its dome was upgraded in 1986, and it remains home to an active amateur astronomy association.

History

Piombino Observatory's origins trace back to 1975, when astronomy enthusiasts converted the old circular-walled coastal fortification on Punta Falcone into an observation site. The dome was updated in 1986 to support improved instrumentation.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits at 55 metres elevation on the Punta Falcone promontory in Piombino, on the Tuscan coast of Italy, with sweeping views out over the Tyrrhenian Sea toward Elba.

Visiting Piombino Observatory

Piombino Observatory has publicly listed hours from June to September on Friday evenings from 21:00 to 23:59. It can also be reached by phone at +39 353 4692387, and further details are available on its official website. Confirm current opening dates before visiting, as seasonal hours can shift.

See your named star from here

On a clear Friday night at Piombino Observatory, the coastal air over Punta Falcone makes for good viewing conditions to seek out the coordinates of a star you've named through Star Register. Look up its position in the star catalogue before your visit.