Aresta di Patina Astronomical Observatory
The Aresta di Patina Astronomical Observatory is located at the summit of the Alburni’s mountains, at 1300 meters of height, in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park. The observatory has a cooperation with the Astrofili degli Alburni association.
The structure was a old dwelling built by the Postiglione territorial association and it was used by shepherds and herdsmen as shelter. Nowadays it is one of the biggest amateur observatory in Italy.
Expert amateur astronomers have formed young people from the association to make the observatory work and to have courses and to teach astronomy during night observation sessions. The association’s mission is to allow as many people as possible to use a telescope and enjoy the starry sky.
Activities often involve schools of any level, from primary to university, with specific classes assisted with slides and astronomical pictures and of course with the direct observation of the sky.
The Aresta di Petina’s observatory is equipped with a reflector with ceramic glass 850 mm of diameter, covered by a dome of 5 meters. It has a Ritchey–Chrétien telescope with a carbon fiber pipe and a computerized synchronization of the rotation with the dome.
Observatory
Osservatorio
Photo gallery
