Student Astronomical Observatory, Department of Astronomy - Plana
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
The Student Astronomical Observatory of Sofia University's Department of Astronomy sits in Plana, Bulgaria, giving astronomy students a dedicated site to put their studies into practice.
About the Student Astronomical Observatory, Plana
This observatory belongs to the Department of Astronomy at Sofia University, one of Bulgaria's leading centres for astronomical education. It was established in 2013 to give students hands-on access to a working observing site outside the city, in the village of Plana.
History
The observatory opened in 2013 as a teaching and research facility for Sofia University's astronomy students, extending the department's academic work into practical, on-site observation.
Location & getting there
Plana lies outside Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, in a setting chosen to give the university's astronomy programme clearer, less light-polluted skies than the city itself. The site is wheelchair accessible.
Visiting the Student Astronomical Observatory, Plana
As a university teaching facility, the observatory primarily serves Sofia University's astronomy students. Anyone interested in visiting or learning more should check the Department of Astronomy's website for current details.
See your named star from here
The same coordinates that let a teaching observatory like this find any object in the sky are exactly what comes with a star named through Star Register. Name a star, or browse the catalogue of stars already named.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
Wheelchair accessible
