Upcoming events for sky observation from the Speleological Museum terrace
“Franco Anelli”: Thursday 7th and Friday 22nd September, Friday 20th and Saturday 28th October.
From the depths of the Earth to the stars. Alongside a rich offering of cultural events and
great concerts that will light up the evenings of Piazze d'Estate until the end of September,
in addition to guided visits to the Caves which vary according to their origin and
need, summer 2023 in Castellana Grotte is also shining for the success of the
appointments proposed by the Sirio Astronomical Observatory, which attracts numerous
passionate and curious observers of the sky and celestial bodies. Approximately 500 attendees
overall from the beginning of June to today, in just 12 dates and 16 shifts.
From June to September there are a total of 16 evenings organised by the Observatory and curated
from the Sirio Astronomical Cultural Association (ACAS). Every time an amazing visit.
Throughout the month of September for example, from the panoramic terrace of the “Franco” Museum
“Rings” of the Castellana Caves the two giant planets Jupiter and Saturn will be clearly visible.
An experience that follows the one made in the last few months when thanks to the clear sky and
very pleasant temperatures, the guests of the Observatory were able to observe
clearly the spectacle of the Moon and the planet Venus.
During the observations the automatic Schmidt-Cassegrain 254/2500 telescope is used, the
250/1200 automatic Dobson telescope, with diffraction grating for spectral viewing
star and pollution filter.
The Sirio Observatory, founded in 2000 in Castellana Grotte on the proposal of Prof. Nicola Rizzi, from
2018 operates through ACAS with activities aimed at dissemination, teaching and
Research inside the Franco Anelli Speleological Museum. The research you experience at the Observatory
It is a unique experience in which scholars guide adults and children in the guided observation of the
starry sky, with exhibition of minerals and meteorites, observation of stars through the telescope,
clusters, galaxies, the moon and planets.
Visits cost 8 euros for adults and 5 euros for children aged between 18 and 20.
Ages 6 and 14. Free admission for children under 6.
Upcoming events scheduled: September 7th and 22nd, October 20th and 28th (first shift hours
20.30pm – second shift at 22.30pm).
The meeting point at the Speleological Museum is set 30 minutes before the start time.
of the activity. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, sky observation on the terrace will be
replaced by an introductory astronomy lesson and viewing of 3D videos at the
Franco Anelli Speleological Museum (indoor with seats) of the same duration.
