OSSERVATORIO ASTROFISICO SERRA LA NAVE

This observatory was founded by Professor Mario G. Fracastoro (director of the Astrophysical Observatory of Catania from 1956 to 1968) and started operating in 1966. It was then the great return of astronomical research on Mount Etna, about 80 years after the construction of the Vincenzo Bellini Observatory. The quality of the atmosphere from Serra La Nave is indeed very good, with an average of more than 150 perfectly clear nights per year. The observatory dates back to the mid-1960s, with a 91 cm diameter telescope under a dome as its main instrument, built under the leadership of Professor Mario G. Fracastoro. Due to its strategic location, Serra la Nave is also a meteorological and seismographic station equipped with specific detectors in the area, continuously measuring magma activity (pressure, tremors) and weather conditions.

The public visits and observations are worth the detour! First of all, because the observatory is integrated into its beautiful natural and wooded setting. Then because the atmosphere is... very Sicilian. During the evenings, after a long series of explanations given by a specialist in the main dome (we review the optical principle of the telescope, its mount, the rotation of the Earth, etc.) come the actual observations of the Moon and the planets according to their visibility. For the curious people who have come to attend the evening, the events take an unexpected turn: noisy exchanges between visitors, smartphones working at full speed, jokes thrown here and there, the dome resounds with voices! Outside, on the terrace in front of a 200 mm diameter telescope, the atmosphere goes up a notch as you discover Saturn or Jupiter.

Practical information. The activities offered by the Serra la Nave observatory take place during the day or in the evening, from June to October. Observations are then planned, of the Sun during the day and of the stars during the public evenings. Evening visits begin at sunset. During July and August, outdoor projections can be organized. The programme varies according to weather conditions and/or special astronomical events. Reservations are required via the website (online schedule). For logistical and security reasons, the total number of visitors that can be admitted is limited to 45.