Skylive observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
In Catania, Sicily, Skylive Observatory takes a different approach to astronomy: rather than staff peering through an eyepiece, its telescopes are controlled remotely and in real time by users anywhere in the world.
About Skylive Observatory
Skylive Observatory is part of the Remote Controlled Observatories Skylive-UAI network, an initiative connecting telescopes across Italy for shared, internet-based observation. Its telescopes use SKYLIVENG software, which supports long-exposure astrophotography, GOTO pointing to specific coordinates, and scriptable observation sequences, enabling modern automated astronomical research and imaging.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located in Catania, on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, in the shadow of Mount Etna's volcanic landscape.
Visiting Skylive Observatory
Because Skylive is built around remote, internet-based access rather than in-person visits, check with the Skylive-UAI network for how to arrange remote observing time rather than planning a physical visit.
See your named star from here
A network built to point telescopes at precise coordinates from anywhere is a perfect match for a named star. Name a star to get its exact position, or browse the catalogue of stars already named by others.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
