The Admiral Vasile Urseanu Astronomic Observatory
The Astronomic Observatory Admiral Vasile Urseanu is the first Astronomic Observatory in Romania open to the public since 1910, in a private residence. Admiral Vasile Urseanu is one of the founders of the “Flammarion” Romanian Astronomic Society (1907) of which he was elected president in 1908.
In 1933, the admiral’s widow, Jeanne Urseanu, donated the building to the municipality of Bucharest, with the condition that the building keep its role of astronomic observatory for the public, a request which was present in the admiral’s will. After the war, the building’s astronomic activity began again in 1950, under the name of “The People’s Astronomic Observatory”. Starting with 2008 the observatory’s visitors could make use of new and improved equipment, such as a professional computerized telescope with a 30cm diameter mirror. The Observatory is also equipped with two field glasses that can be used on clear nights, as well as a telescope designed for the observing of solar flares. One of the Observatory’s main activities is its astronomical class for beginners, held by experts in the field, in collaboration with members of the Bucharest Astroclub, an educational program initiated in the 60s. Presently the Admiral Vasile Urseanu Astronomic Observatory is being reconditioned with the help of European funds, a process which will last until the second half of 2015. The astronomic observations and classes are organized by our coworkers at the Old Princely Court and at Suţu Palace. for the moment, THE ADMIRAL VASILE URSEANU ASTRONOMIC OBSERVATORY is closed for renovation. |
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