The Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste (Trieste Astronomical Observatory – OATS) is today one of the major centres of the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (National Institute of Astrophysics – INAF). Villa Basevi and Villa Bazzoni constitute its centres in town, while the observation station itself, which is also open to the public, is located on the Carso near Basovizza.  The research fields range from the study of the Sun to distant galaxies, from the stars to the early universe, from the physics of high energies to astrobiology. The Observatory devotes particular attention to the training of young people, both through teaching at an undergraduate and PhD level within the University of Trieste and at the SISSA, and by funding scholarships and doctorates.  The OATS also undertakes a packed public educational activity based around the 60cm telescope of the Specola Margherita Hack, which is visited by thousands of people a year.

HOW TO GET THERE:
From the railway station take bus 39 towards VILLA CARSIA or bus 51 towards the Area di Ricerca (Research Area). Get off at the stop in Via Gruden (Basovizza-pharmacy) in the village of Basovizza. Continue towards the centre of Basovizza and take the first road on the right that leads back to the “Strada per Basovizza”. Turn left onto the “Strada per Basovizza” (SR14, E61).

After a few minutes, at one of the following small intersections to the left, at the red roadhouse, a white sign with an arrow indicates the direction of the Basovizza Observatory. Take this road and follow it to the end where the entrance to the Observatory is located.

From the city centre, follow the directions for the university and then for Basovizza. Once in Basovizza follow the signs for Pesek.

VISIT:
Visits take place at the observatory of Basovizza where the public and schools can observe the celestial bodies with telescopes dedicated to them, under the guidance of astronomers. The didactic offering for schools is integrated by the interactive Exploracosmo multimedia laboratory and by the remote controlled SVAS telescope.

The activities for schools and the public proposed by the Trieste Astronomical Observatory are managed and organised in collaboration with the SOFOS – Association for the dissemination of the sciences.

PUBLIC OPENING TIMES:
Groups / schools: Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11 a.m. and after sunset.
Individuals: Wednesday or Friday after sunset.
Maximum number of individuals per visit: 25. For groups or schools: up to 50 in two parallel shifts. Duration 90 min. For large groups (two shifts) 120 minutes in total.

PRICE:
The cost is € 6 per person (€ 3 up to the age of 12), € 120 for groups or classes, € 240 for larger groups / classes. The costs are + VAT where foreseen.