This new observatory was built by the M42 Association in conjunction with Varese provincial council, the Valli del Luinese Mountain Community council and Curiglia municipal council.

The observatory stands at an altitude of about 900 metres, and only a short distance from the village of Monteviasco, one of the jewels of the province of Varese.

The location is fantastic for astronomical observation, thanks to a clean and clear atmosphere and the absence of light pollution. The main observatory houses a 30 cm telescope capable of scientific research and astronomical photography.

Conventional and CCD cameras are used to photograph comets, supernovas and other phenomena in the skies above Monteviasco. The project of the M42 Association does not stop here, however. Construction of a second observatory is planned.

The new dome will be remotely controlled and accessible via the internet. It will therefore be possible to rotate it and control the telescope from anywhere in the world. The project has the backing of Salvatore Furia, one of the founders of the astronomical observatory of Campo dei Fiori and the most respected of the province’s astronomers. The site also includes a cabin where observers can spend the night.

Booking:
Required

Access:
Friday and Saturday on request