The first space observatory on the island was opened in Nicosia on Saturday 8th of April. The facility is called 1010 Asteroskopeion and is located at the Grammou Str. 21-23.
1010 Asteroskopeion – is the only public observatory, which is located in the heart of Nicosia old town. It aims to educate the local and visitors of Cyprus about astronomy and to make one single society of astronomy fans. The facility will host the astronomical observations with the use of telescope, lectures and other event. The visits of pupils and students will be of particular importance, because the future of the island depends on them.
The 1010 Asteroskopeion is equipped with the modern and biggest robotic telescope Celestron HD, which is inside rotating dome of 4 metres in diameter.
The observatory will work every Thursday from 19:00 and will be open for everyone. Apart from the sky observations, the visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing drink at the 1010SkyLounge with the view on the Nicosia at night.
One floor below the bar is the 1010Hall, which boasts with the biggest meteorite on the island – Campo-Del-Cielo. The visitors will also be able to examine the last photo report of the Hubble telescope, watch the presentation at the automatic planetarium GOTO and listen to the educational lectures about astronomy and astrophysics.
On the 1st floor of the building, there is a shop 1010Asteroskopeion, which offers wide choice of telescopes, accessories, books, microscopes, meteo stations, gifts and souvenirs.
The Mayor of Nicosia Mr. Constantinos Giorkadjis said at the opening ceremony the educational and scientific importance of the observatory for students and fans of the stars who will be visiting the facility.