Suno astronomical observatory

Suno Astronomical Observatory sits in the Motto Zufolone locality of Suno, a small municipality in Piedmont, Italy, where it has hosted public stargazing since the mid-1980s.

About Suno Astronomical Observatory

The observatory, also known as the Osservatorio Astronomico Galileo Galilei, is run by APAN, the Provincial Association of Novara Astronomers, an amateur astronomy group founded in March 1968. It is registered with the Minor Planet Center under observatory code 147.

History

APAN spent nearly two decades building the observatory before it entered operation in 1985, giving the Novara area a dedicated site for both research-grade observing and public education.

Telescopes & research

The main instrument is a 400mm Newtonian reflector on an equatorial fork mount with a 2200mm focal length, supplemented by a 61cm reflector, a 31cm Maksutov-Cassegrain, and a dedicated solar telescope. The site also has a digital planetarium used for shows and educational sessions.

Location & getting there

Suno lies in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, within the province of Novara, in countryside removed from the region's larger cities. Use the map and directions button on this page for the route.

Visiting Suno Astronomical Observatory

APAN runs public stargazing evenings, educational workshops for children, planetarium shows, and other outreach events at the site. Check the current schedule and booking details on the official website, osservatoriogalilei.com, before you go.

See your named star from here

With telescopes ranging from a 31cm Maksutov-Cassegrain to a 400mm Newtonian, Suno Astronomical Observatory has the instruments to find a specific point in the sky — including the exact right ascension and declination of a star named through Star Register. Name a star or browse the full catalogue of named stars.