Astronomy in Croatia
Lovers of science and astronomy will find just the place for them right Croatia. Owing to the low light-pollution of the sky over Istria, astronomy lovers can still enjoy observing the sky here.
Surely the most fascinating sight is around August 12, when the sky is bombarded by prolific meteor showers associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle. On August 10 and 11, and especially August 12, the Earth moves through a cloud of dust and steam and these particles collide with the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of 200,000 kilometres per hour, boiling off and unleashing a meteor shower in the sky. This occurrence is known among astronomers as the Perseids, but it is commonly referred to as the tears of St. Lawrence since it appears exactly on St. Lawrence's Day.
The old observatory is situated in the picturesque village of Visnjan, near the coastal town Porec on the Istrian peninsula in Croatia.
The Visnjan observatory became renowned for its outstanding results in Astronomic measurements and discoveries of small bodies within the solar system.
Between 1995 and 2001 Visnjan observatory was responsible for discovering 1749 asteroids.
Although the old observatory hasn’t been searching for asteroids for two decades it is still notably one of the most prolific sites for asteroids in the world. So that by 2001 the Visnjan Observatory had to close.
New observatory on nearby Tičan hill.
Due to the light pollution problem the scientific activities at Visnjan observatory needed to move to a new location. A site was found on Tican hill, three kilometers north of Visnjan. The construction of the new observatory was started in 1998 and by 2002 the metric telescope, named Dagor had been installed.
The Višnjan Observatory, that is, the new observatory on Tičan hill, is the second most successful in detecting asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth, according to the recently published statistics by the Minor Planets Center of the International Astronomical Union.
Since the beginning of 2019, the Croatian team performed 54.5% of the work in monitoring the objects passing near the Earth that could pose a possible threat to it (Near Earth Objects - NEO). Thus, they are placed directly behind NASA, and in front of the US Army and the European Space Agency (ESA). The Legend of Croatian astronomy Korado Korlević, one of the most prolific asteroid hunters, says that astronomers sometimes joke, calling them the "Wallmart of World Astronomy" in the sense that they have the best price ratios concerning the product. Namely, they spend the least when the work accomplished is taken into account, since they do not have any institutional funding.
So far, more than 19,000 objects that run as NEO are known, and this number increases each month by another two hundred discoveries. Yet, this job is still not near completion. American astronomers from Hawaii, Arizona, California and South America form the backbone of the network for detection and follow-up, while Višnjan has become increasingly prominent as their essential ally in Europe. Among the American asteroid hunters, the Višnjan Observatory is labeled with the code-name 'L01’.
The Višnjan Observatory is an exceptional astronomic observatory located in the attic of a house in the center of the small town of Višnjan. In November 1992 Visnjan Observatory (IAU/MPC code 120) was founded on a decision made by the Visnjan Amateur Astronomical Society to open a public observatory. The first experimental observations made by telescope started in 1995 and at the end of the same year, the astronomers Korado Korlević and V. Brčić discovered the first small planet, an asteroid.
During the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, the observatory gave up both its telescopes to the military. The bigger one ended up in Sarajevo, where it was used for surveillance of mortars during the Serbian siege of the city. Bosnian astronomer Muhamed Muminović personally returned the key components of the telescope after the war. The second telescope was lost after being used by the Croatian army in its war of independence, Korlević said.
Nevertheless, Korlević and his team of students and volunteers found ways to stay active during the war-torn decade. They built a specialized 40-centimeter reflecting telescope out of glass from a nearby factory and spare parts, including motors taken from an old dot-matrix printer. The electronics were assembled by high school students, and the software was written by university undergraduates.
Using that 40 cm telescope and discovering 1400 minor planets, it ranked as one of the worlds top 5 observatories doing this work at the time. The observatory became renowned for its outstanding results in Astrometric measurements and discoveries of small bodies within the solar system. Between 1995 and 2001 Visnjan observatory was responsible for discovering 1749 asteroids. Although the old observatory hasn’t been searching for asteroids for two decades it is still notably one of the most prolific sites for asteroids in the world.
Construction of the new observatory on Tićan Hill lasted for almost ten years and only became fully active in 2009. With the installation of equipment for astronomical and geophysical measurements at this new location, including a larger telescope TT1 (Tićan Telescope 1) with a mirror diameter of 1 meter, it became possible to continue work in the field of solar system mapping. On the Tićan site they also built the world's largest Schumann Antenna.
There is a special program for groups which can involve a lecture and observations of celestial objects (including the sun in the case of a daytime visit). The lecture can be adapted to your groups age and interest (Solar System, Asteroids, Space Guard). Tours are possible in Croatian, English or Italian language.
Astronomical Education Park
The night sky that spreads above us is full of secrets that are just waiting to be discovered, and the new astronomical park in the centre of the Istria, next to Žminj, will help you explore it.
Located on a double crossroads in the locality of Križine, near the village of Vidulini, the park is situated in an excellent position so that all those who are just curious, and perhaps even a few future scientists or astronauts, can stop here and learn something.
A unique stone installation contributes to the park’s visual attractiveness, but its role is primarily educational as four massive stones mark the four sides of the world.
Visitors to the excursion site can learn how to use the gnomon or sundial here. It is set in the centre of a circle made up of a stone installation and, besides being a ‘sign’ for time, it also serves as a sign for the distances to the world’s largest capitals and of course - the one to the Moon.
There is also a micro arboretum in the educational park with local herbs, which are each clearly labelled with their names for easy recognition and learning.
Visitors to the park can take advantage of the benches for a spot of relaxation, whilst devoting themselves to thinking about the infinity of the universe.
The Vidulini Park is located on the rural intersection of roads to Žminj - Sveti Petar - Kanfanar and Limska Draga, which is very popular among cycling enthusiasts, as well as all other nature and rural Istria lovers.
The Pula Observatory, known in history as the Navy Observatory, stands as a beacon of
Croatia’s rich past. Tracing its origins back to 1869, it was set up as part of the Imperial and Royal Hydrographic Institute of the Navy. The years that followed saw the establishment of a comprehensive building on Monte Zaro hill. This structure wasn’t just an observatory; it was a haven for nautical and physical instruments, mapping archives, and an extensive navy library.
The Pula Naval Observatory, a silent sentinel on the top Monte Zaro Park in the city of Pula, is steeped in the annals of Croatia’s maritime and astronomic history.
In 1869, Pula began its illustrious journey into the world of celestial exploration. The observatory was born out of the necessity to support the naval might of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Pula-Pola, which had emerged as the primary war port for Austria, recognized the need for a centralized institute that could provide accurate nautical charts, weather updates, and timekeeping for the fleet. This led to the establishment of the observatory as part of the Imperial and Royal Hydrographic Institute of the Navy.
By 1871, the observatory had expanded its premises, establishing a full-fledged facility on Monte Zaro hill. Beyond its astronomic capabilities, this complex became a crucial repository for nautical and physical instruments. Its archives held the most detailed nautical maps, and the navy library became an invaluable resource for sailors and academics alike.
During this period, the observatory also provided pivotal services such as the Current Time Service, Chronometer Service, Meteorological Service, and Geomagnetic Service. These services ensured the accuracy and efficiency of the navy’s operations, making the observatory an indispensable asset.
Under the dedicated guidance of visionaries like Austrian astronomer Johann Palisa in the late 1870s, the observatory entered a golden age of astronomic advancements. With enhancements in lens grinding technology, optical glasses, and astronomic instruments, the observatory made significant strides. The result was the discovery of 28 new planetoids, embedding the observatory’s name in astronomic legacy. Some of these celestial bodies, such as “Polana”, “Adria”, and “Istria”, paid homage to the region’s heritage.
The geopolitical landscape of Europe in the 19th century was tumultuous. As a result of wartime situations, especially around 1848, many observatories faced closure. Pula, however, benefited as a significant chunk of inventory and instruments from observatories in Venice and Trieste were transferred to it, further enhancing its capabilities.
Today, the Pula Naval Observatory stands as a testament to Croatia’s rich maritime and astronomic history. After enduring the sands of time, it has transformed from a mere naval support system to a symbol of national pride and scientific achievement. The restored facility continues to educate visitors about its splendid past while pointing its telescopes to the stars, symbolizing a nation’s continuous quest for knowledge.
In essence, a visit to the Pula Naval Observatory isn’t just an astronomic experience but a voyage through time, capturing the essence of maritime history, national pride, and mankind’s eternal connection with the cosmos.
Makarska Observatory and Astro-park form a unique scientific and tourist component of Makarska. It is unique for several more reasons: it was built on an existing monument, it is located in the town center on a small hill, 50 m from the waterfront and the town beach, and in comparison with other observatories on the Adriatic, it is closest to the sea. The Makarska Observatory was implemented in the memorial center of World War II, built in 1974 in honor of all fallen soldiers from Makarska and the Makarska Riviera. It is the work of the famous architect Matija Salaj († 2014), one of the architect pioneers in terms of tourism on our coast.
Members of the Orion organization take care of the Observatory on a voluntary basis and they organize various programs, projects and seminars related to astronomy for youngsters. It’s been many years in a row now that the only scientific event, the Days of the Universe, is organized at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain, at the plateau of the Makarska observatory, intended for both local and foreign tourists. The Days of the Universe slowly but surely gains international character because a portion of the popular lectures is held in English. The Days of the Universe event is connected to the celestial spectacle that happens every year in the middle of August: the Perseid meteor shower, known amongst the local people as the “Tears of St. Lovre (St. Lawrence)”
The Kozmološki centar (Cosmology Center) in Križevci, also known as Zvjezdarnica Križevci (Observatory Križevci), is a hub for natural history, astronomy, computing, and modern technologies, especially for children and youth. It is the biggest and most advanced observatory in Croatia with an impressive five-meter dome and a permanent fixture symbolizing the natural history of Križevci.
SPARK, the organization behind this center, collaborates with local civil society organizations, public institutions, the Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva Sveučilišta u Zagrebu (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing of the University of Zagreb), and external experts to offer innovative education programs and activities.
Hvar observatory is the only professional astrophysical observatory in Croatia, operating by the Geodetski fakultet (Faculty of Geodesy) in Zagreb, and the only one closed to the public. It is situated above the town of Hvar in the historic fortress Napoljun, built by the French army during the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century.
Hvar observatory is used for scientific research in astronomy, astrophysics, geodesy, and geophysics and in educating young scientists. It has 3 telescopes: a solar telescope, a stellar telescope, and an Austro-Croatian Telescope.
The Mosor observatory is situated within Zvjezdano selo Mosor (starry village Mosor). It is an udruga that organizes a school, workshops, lectures, and seminars on astronomy, meteorology, ecology, history, arts, and geography. Its goal is to educate younger generations and improve the quality of their lives.
The good climate, fresh sea air, and high altitude provide excellent conditions for observing the night sky from Mosor. It is best to visit the observatory at dusk when the moon isn’t full and the weather is not windy. The observatory has 5 telescopes.
The Astronomy center in Rijeka is the only one in Croatia that has both an observatory and a digital planetarium, which displays a simulated image of the universe. The planetarium is an amphitheater-shaped hall used for watching projections of the sky and celestial bodies and movies about astronomy and the underwater world.
Astronomski centar Rijeka is notable because its telescope revealed 2 changing stars. It has a conference hall, meeting room, multimedia workshop, and a panoramic terrace with a rooftop caffe bar, offering a unique view of Rijeka and Kvarner.
Technical Museum Nikola Tesla’s planetarium in Zagreb (Planetarij Tehničkog muzeja Nikola Tesla)
The planetarium of the Technical Museum of Nikola Tesla (TMNT) offers a projection of the starry sky inside the dome, containing around 5.000 stars from the equator to the North Pole. 31 optical systems project different parts of the sky. Scientific lectures are occasionally held there.
Special projectors show the Sun, Moon, Planets, the Milky Way, and other occurrences in the sky. It is also possible to simulate the daily movement of the starry sky to see its appearance at any time of the night and year from different geographical latitudes.
The Zagreb observatory offers sky observation through telescopes adjusted for observing the sun in H-alpha light and white light, which can also record the night sky. It has a cosmic radiation detector, a library, and a lecture hall.
The observatory offers the following:
– lectures, exhibitions, and sky observation for residents and school groups
– courses, workshops, and other projects that supplement school teaching, including the International Astronomical and Astrophysics Olympiads and Astronomy Summer School
Scientific and professional research – research in solar physics and monitoring of astronomical phenomena.
The observatory has encouraged the establishment of astronomical associations in Croatia by giving them technical and professional help. If you are interested in learning about astronomy, you can join the E-school of Astronomy.
Astronomy in Croatia. Best spots to see the stars in Croatia
Gacko polje in Lika
The whole area of Gacko polje is ideal for staring at stars since it is unpolluted and surrounded by valleys and woods.
Lastovo Island Nature Park in Dalmatia
You cannot remain indifferent when visiting Lastovo Nature Park. Lastovo is one of a few Croatian islands so distant from the mainland, so light pollution is at a bare minimum. All public lighting has been replaced by ecological lighting, which emits 0% light pollution into the sky. Lastovo’s sky is one of the darkest in Europe.
Slovenian astrologists Mikuz Herman and Andrej Mohar have stated that Lastovo has the most beautiful starry sky in Europe. You can see the Milky Way and millions of stars. If you have a telescope, you might be able to observe other galaxies. Observing the stars is possible anywhere on the island, but some viewpoints, like Galičine, are particularly special.
Petrova gora – Biljeg in Moslavina
Petrova gora is one of the most preserved forest landscapes in Croatia, less than 1,30 hours from Zagreb. It has been declared as međunarodni park tamnog neba (international dark-sky park) by the American non-profit organization
International Dark-Sky Association
(IDA). At the end of August and the beginning of September, you can come to the Petrova Gora Star Party to observe the sky through telescopes of different sizes.
The best location to observe the stars at Petrova gora is the Veliki Petrovac mountain peak (512 meters) at the Spomenik ustanku naroda Banije i Korduna (Monument to the uprising of the people of Kordun and Banija), which commemorates the victims of Nazi fascism from World War II.
Sveti Urban in Međimurje
The northwest part of Međimurje county is ideal for observing stars. A nice viewpoint is situated in Sveti Urban (Saint Urban), near the Slovenian border, atop one of Međimurje’s many green hills. From there, you will have a view of Slovenia, Hungary, and Međimurje county.
If you’re into astronomy, you’ll love this spot. The horizon is very clear there, so you’ll have an expansive view of the sky and stars.
Vojak mountain peak at Učka in Istria
Učka and its surrounding nature are ideal for observing stars. The best spot for settling down at night is its highest mountain peak, Vojak, which can be reached via several trails. You can also get to Vojak by car; there is parking near the telecommunications tower and air traffic control radar.
You can also find a good view 200-300 meters below Vojak. During summer nights, bring a blanket and chill under the stars. If you are an amateur hiker, stay on Učka’s slopes and don’t hike to the top, since you will have to return in darkness.
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