Urania public observatory

In Hove, in Belgium's Antwerp province, the Urania public observatory has been introducing local visitors to the night sky since 1970, run by a dedicated amateur astronomy association.

About Urania public observatory

The observatory is operated by Volkssterrenwacht Urania, an amateur astronomy association, and includes both a planetarium and an observation tower. It draws around 12,000 visitors a year, most of them school groups, and counts roughly 1,000 members.

History

The first telescope tower was constructed in February 1970, and the site was formally recognised as a public observatory on 17 April 1970. The association has since undertaken an ongoing expansion project for a new observation tower, budgeted at around €400,000, half funded by Flemish government and municipal subsidies.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Hove, in Belgium's Antwerp province, within reach of the wider Antwerp area.

Visiting Urania public observatory

With a planetarium and observation tower drawing thousands of visitors annually, the observatory runs regular public sessions; check urania.be for current opening hours and booking details, especially for school and group visits.

See your named star from here

A telescope at a public observatory like this one can be aimed at the exact coordinates of any star, including one you've named. Name a star, or browse the catalogue to see stars already dedicated.