Tweelingen public observatory

Tweelingen Public Observatory, known locally as Volkssterrenwacht Tweelingen, has been welcoming stargazers to Spijkenisse in the Netherlands for over four decades.

About Tweelingen Public Observatory

The observatory is run by the Vereniging Amateur Astronomen Spijkenisse, a local association of amateur astronomers, and sits in the Waterland district of Spijkenisse. Its main instrument is a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope used for public observing sessions.

History

The association behind the observatory was founded on 25 February 1976. The foundation stone for the building was laid on 21 April 1978, and the observatory officially opened its doors on 25 June 1980. After 45 years of use, its observing dome has recently been renovated to keep the facility in working order.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is the centrepiece of its public programme, used by association members to guide visitors through the night sky.

Location & getting there

Tweelingen Public Observatory is located in the Waterland district of Spijkenisse, in the Netherlands. Use the map and directions button on this page to find your way there.

Visiting Tweelingen Public Observatory

Public observing nights are held on Fridays from October to April, running from 20:00 to 22:00, with admission priced at €5 per person. It's worth checking the association's website ahead of your visit in case of scheduling changes or weather cancellations.

See your named star from here

An evening session at Tweelingen Public Observatory is a genuinely good opportunity to see a symbolically named star for yourself, since the 14-inch telescope and knowledgeable members can help locate specific coordinates in the sky. Browse our star catalogue to find a star near the Netherlands.