Observatories Západné Slovensko

Who wouldn't like the view of a night sky full of stars? You have certainly watched these glowing dots before and pointed your finger at Polaris or the Big Dipper constellation. Observing the night sky is one of the oldest activities in human history. In the past, people navigated by the stars and even used the starry sky as a calendar. If you are interested in astronomy, come to Hvezdáreň a planetárium M. R. Štefánika v Hlohovci and look into the infinite universe through the second largest telescope in Slovakia.

The history of astrology itself is as old as humanity. Observing the stars and mapping them led people to tell various stories, which were often connected with supernatural beings. Only later did they begin to write down and compare the results of their observations, which led to the construction of observatories. Institutions where scientists observe, study, and analyze natural phenomena.

The desire for knowledge also stands behind the creation of this observatory. Several enthusiasts from the pharmaceutical plant at the time decided to establish an Astronomy Club under the Works Club ROH at Slovakofarma. The initial impulse was a sale of old, high-quality military optics for cheap. However, they arrived too late for that, and the equipment was already sold out. Nevertheless, this changed nothing in their decision, and on February 10, 1954, the history of astronomy in Hlohovec began to be written.

The mission of the club was to organize popular-science lectures and pass on knowledge about the universe to the youth. It was also tasked with carrying out professional astronomical observations and establishing a public observatory. The grand opening of Hvezdáreň a planetárium M. R. Štefánika took place on November 29, 1958. Alongside the observatories in Prešov, Levice, and Humenné, it thus became the fourth scientific research institute for astronomical observations in Slovakia established after World War II.

The observatory provides several programs for schools, kindergartens, and the general public, including observations, lectures, seminars, and screenings of various professional and educational documentary films. The hall with a capacity of 56 seats houses a high-quality Zeiss ZKP-2 planetarium, which allows projecting an artificial sky, the Sun and the solar system, the Moon, planets, and stars, as well as the Milky Way.

In addition, the observatory engages in observations and regularly publishes its findings in professional literature. Observational activities for both the public and scientific purposes are provided by the observation and research department. Do not forget to arrange your visit to this interesting place in advance by phone.

After an engaging excursion, visit Hlohovský zámok and walk through the magnificent French terraced gardens in the chateau park. From the castle, head to Kúpalisko Hlohovec, which will guarantee you true summer refreshment. The surroundings of Hlohovec offer many great attractions that are worth seeing and visiting. If you like the idea of an actively spent vacation, do not wait and book accommodation near Hvezdáreň a planetárium M. R. Štefánika right now. You will certainly choose from our wide range of accommodation in Hlohovec.

Hvezdáreň Partizánske is situated in the northwestern part of the town of Partizánske, in Malé Bieliciach. Since 1988, in addition to observational and professional activities, it has also been dedicated to the popularization of astronomy and astronautics among pupils, students, and the general public. Without a doubt, the most attractive part of its offer is regular observations of the evening sky. Furthermore, the observatory also prepares interesting all-night observations with a lecture, visits combined with relaxation and sitting by a fireplace, or sky tours combined with film screenings for organized groups.

The observatory building consists of a lecture hall with a capacity of 68 people, an observation dome with a diameter of 5.5 m, and office spaces. The most important astronomical instrument of the observatory is a refractor telescope connected to a state-of-the-art television CCD camera. Thanks to this technical equipment, all visitors can observe the starry sky and interesting astronomical phenomena simultaneously in the comfort of the lecture hall. Since 2008, a separate part of the observatory has also been the Fričov domček astronomical observatory. The retractable roof conceals a reflecting telescope designed for stellar astronomy. Here, the observatory organizes expeditions aimed at observing meteor showers.

Since its establishment to the present day, hundreds of thousands of visitors fascinated by the wonders of the infinite universe have visited the observatory. In the field of popularization and educational work, the observatory staff strive to build upon the standard curriculum of natural science, geography, and physics, which they expand with interesting facts and modern knowledge from the fields of astronomy and astronautics. The basis of the observatory's scientific activity is solar observation and photosphere drawings.

If, during your travel wanderings through Horná Nitra, you also find yourself in Partizánske, definitely do not miss the unique experience of observing the evening sky at the observatory. A day spent in this town will be made more pleasant by a visit to Kaštieľ v Šimonovanoch manor house, a stay at the Malé Bielice thermal swimming pool, or relaxation at the Dúha swimming pool. In the surroundings of the town, be sure not to miss a visit to the beautiful Kaštieľ vo Veľkých Uherciach manor house nor the ruins of Hrad Uhrovec. The Hornonitriansky región is literally intertwined with points of interest that are worth seeing. Do not hesitate and start looking for accommodation near Hvezdáreň Partizánske. If you manage to book accommodation in Partizánske and the adjacent villages, the attractions of this region will be right at your fingertips.

The first and at the same time the oldest observatory in Slovakia, founded in 1871 in the beautiful environment of the park in the town of Hurbanovo.

In addition to discovering its history as one of the first astrophysical observatories in Europe, you will get a closer look at the planets of the solar system, the sky and constellations in individual seasons, human expeditions to the moon, or the history and development of the telescope.

The Hvezdáreň in its premises of the planetarium, the historical building with an astronomical telescope, or the Múzea Dr. Mikuláša Konkoly Thege offers a rich year-round program for individual visitors, as well as for group excursions of children, youth, students, or seniors.