Slottsskogsobservatoriet

Slottsskogsobservatoriet is a public observatory in the northern part of Slottsskogen Park in Gothenburg, Sweden, and is described as the only public observatory in the country.

About Slottsskogsobservatoriet

The observatory is run by the non-profit association Slottsskogsobservatoriets Vänner (Friends of Slottsskogen Observatory), with support from the City of Gothenburg. It houses multiple telescopes used for public viewing of the Moon, planets, and star clusters, and its work centres on educational outreach and STEM engagement for visitors of all ages.

History

An earlier observatory building on the site dates to 1929; the current building was constructed in 1985 and has hosted public viewing sessions ever since.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in the northern part of Slottsskogen Park in Gothenburg, on Sweden's west coast - a large public park that makes the site easy to combine with a wider visit to the city.

Visiting Slottsskogsobservatoriet

Public viewing sessions run primarily from September to March, when the sky stays dark enough for stargazing; the observatory's own website and phone line (+46 31 12 63 00) are the best way to confirm current session times before visiting.

See your named star from here

Since the telescopes here can be aimed at exact sky coordinates, a star named through Star Register can be located from Slottsskogsobservatoriet using its right ascension and declination. Check the star catalogue for a named star's position.