The Astronomical Observatory Foundation
"It is not sufficient just to look, you have to look with eyes that wish to see" … This quotation from Galileo Galilei is a perfect expression of the spirit in which the Fondazione Osservatorio Astronomico (Astronomical Observatory Foundation), FOAM13, in Tradate is run. It is a true jewel of advanced technology, a centre for scientific research and education that has won worldwide recognition.
The Astronomical Observatory in Tradate, which opened in May 2007, comprises three principal facilities.
The main telescope has a diameter of 65 cm and a focal length of f/5 (3,250 mm). The mirror is mounted on a carbon-fibre "Closet Serrourier" structure (the same technology that is used for the chassis of Formula 1 cars). The steel gimbals are motorized with computerized control on both axes, for directional and tracking control run by a computer. The main telescope has a diameter of 7.5 metres, and it is enclosed in a protective, climatized dome, lined inside with 1,700 wooden slats.
The Solar Tower, the only such structure in our region and one of the two existing in Italy, consists of a siderostat telescope, which conducts a beam of light onto a refracting lens in a completely dark room. The beam of light is thus broken down into its various frequencies, so that our star, the sun, can be observed at various wavelengths on two screens.
Lastly, there are the radio-telescopes, used to study the sun, Jupiter (the largest planet in the solar system), the centre of our galaxy, and meteor showers. In addition, the observatory takes part in the SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) project, in cooperation with the "Medicina Radio Astronomical Station"
Alongside the Observatory there is a visitor centre, a 60-seat multimedia Conference Hall with computer, video-projector and giant screen, audio system and microphones.
FOAM13 has already launched cooperation in study and research at both national and international level, with other prestige and historic astronomical research institutes including the Brera Astronomical Observatory, the Arecibo radiotelescope, the University of Geneva, the University of Indiana, the University of Helsinki, Mount Palomar Observatory, and the radio-telescopes a Medicino, Bologna.
This surprising structure can be visited on Sundays or during evenings of observation organized for the general public, and in addition there are visits and educational programmes for school groups.
The Astronomical Observatory in Tradate, which opened in May 2007, comprises three principal facilities.
The main telescope has a diameter of 65 cm and a focal length of f/5 (3,250 mm). The mirror is mounted on a carbon-fibre "Closet Serrourier" structure (the same technology that is used for the chassis of Formula 1 cars). The steel gimbals are motorized with computerized control on both axes, for directional and tracking control run by a computer. The main telescope has a diameter of 7.5 metres, and it is enclosed in a protective, climatized dome, lined inside with 1,700 wooden slats.
The Solar Tower, the only such structure in our region and one of the two existing in Italy, consists of a siderostat telescope, which conducts a beam of light onto a refracting lens in a completely dark room. The beam of light is thus broken down into its various frequencies, so that our star, the sun, can be observed at various wavelengths on two screens.
Lastly, there are the radio-telescopes, used to study the sun, Jupiter (the largest planet in the solar system), the centre of our galaxy, and meteor showers. In addition, the observatory takes part in the SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) project, in cooperation with the "Medicina Radio Astronomical Station"
Alongside the Observatory there is a visitor centre, a 60-seat multimedia Conference Hall with computer, video-projector and giant screen, audio system and microphones.
FOAM13 has already launched cooperation in study and research at both national and international level, with other prestige and historic astronomical research institutes including the Brera Astronomical Observatory, the Arecibo radiotelescope, the University of Geneva, the University of Indiana, the University of Helsinki, Mount Palomar Observatory, and the radio-telescopes a Medicino, Bologna.
This surprising structure can be visited on Sundays or during evenings of observation organized for the general public, and in addition there are visits and educational programmes for school groups.
