Stazione Astronomica Le Pleiadi

High in the Sila Piccola mountains of Calabria, southern Italy, a small group of volunteer astronomers keeps watch over some of the region's darkest skies at Stazione Astronomica Le Pleiadi.

About Stazione Astronomica Le Pleiadi

Stazione Astronomica Le Pleiadi is an amateur-run astronomical station near Pantane, in the Sila Piccola highlands of Calabria. It exists to bring astronomy to the wider public through observation nights, talks and hands-on outreach for schools and visitors.

History

The station was founded by a group of amateur astronomers from Catanzaro under the guidance of Desiderio Noto. Its first dome was built and remained in regular operation until July 2013, giving the group a home base for public observing sessions in the Calabrian mountains.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits at roughly 1,300 metres above sea level in Pantane, part of the Sila Piccola plateau — one of the highest, least light-polluted corners of Calabria. The altitude and distance from coastal towns give it noticeably darker, steadier skies than most of southern Italy.

Visiting Stazione Astronomica Le Pleiadi

The association runs regular Star Parties, especially through the summer months, welcoming curious visitors to look through the telescopes and learn about the night sky. Because opening times can vary by season, it is worth checking the association's latest event listings online before you make the trip up into the Sila.

See your named star from here

Because any set of celestial coordinates can be located from anywhere on Earth, a star named through Star Register can, in principle, be pointed out from a dark site like this one on a clear Calabrian night. Browse the full star catalogue to find the coordinates of your own named star.