After many years of glorious service, the Poggio dei Pini site of the Cagliari Astronomical Observatory is retiring.
However, this doesn’t mean the Observatory is closing, quite the opposite! We’re simply moving to a brand new location, closer to Cagliari: the new site is located at the former powder magazine in Selargius, on the 387 to Dolianova, just a few kilometers from the university campus.
Although many memories are tied to the old site, both scientific and personal—and a piece of our heart will undoubtedly remain there—there is great excitement for what will be a new, thrilling adventure for the Observatory. The Selargius site offers a brand-new facility, with spacious areas and surrounded by nature, allowing the Observatory not only to continue its scientific work, maintaining the high standards it has been known for over the years, but also to reopen its doors to the public.
In fact, several areas within the facility will be dedicated to the public: starting with the museum, where you can admire instruments that have made the history of astronomy, to the planetarium (still under construction), the conference room, and the educational classroom, where school groups will meet and discuss the universe and its objects, also using a telescope. Additionally, the large outdoor spaces will allow for the organization of special events, such as observation nights and public meetings.
The moving operations begin this week. At the moment, we can’t provide precise details on when the opening to the public will occur (anyone who has moved knows well the settling-in times…), but we hope not to keep you waiting too long. When the site is ready, we will spread the word, so…stay tuned!
See you soon at the new location!
In the two images above: the Poggio dei Pini site. In the image below: simulation of the Selargius site.