Štefánik Astronomical Observatory

The Štefánik Astronomical Observatory, located on the Petřín hill in the Strahov district of Prague, is one of the most significant scientific facilities in the city, as well as an important reference point for astronomy enthusiasts. Founded in 1928, the observatory is named after Milan Rastislav Štefánik, a renowned Slovak astronomer who was also a general in the French army, diplomat, and co-founder of Czechoslovakia. The idea of building an observatory in Prague was born in the early 20th century, when the Czech Astronomical Society decided to create a structure dedicated to the dissemination of astronomical sciences. Before the current observatory, observations were conducted in various locations in Prague, but none of them offered ideal conditions due to increasing light pollution. This is why the Petřín hill was chosen, a place already known for its tranquility and elevated position, suitable for celestial observations.The main building of the observatory was designed by Josef Veselík and was built on an old bastion of the city fortifications. This gives the structure a historical charm and a connection to the city’s defensive past. The construction was completed in 1930 with the installation of a Zeiss double-refraction telescope, which is still one of the central pieces of the collection today.The Zeiss telescope, with its main mirror of 400 mm in diameter, was purchased at a discounted price from the inheritance of the Viennese astronomer Rudolf König and transported to Prague with some technical difficulties. This instrument, mounted on a fifteen-meter high pillar, is still used for public observations. During World War II, the observatory suffered serious damage due to German bombings, but the most valuable instruments were hidden in time and later restored.A significant renovation took place between 1971 and 1976, when the observatory was modernized to accommodate an increasingly wider audience. In addition to the Zeiss telescope, the observatory is equipped with a modern Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope in the western dome, installed in 1976. This instrument allows for observing celestial objects with impressive detail, magnifying up to 2600 times compared to naked-eye viewing. The Štefánik Observatory is not only a center for astronomical observation, but also a place for scientific dissemination. It hosts a permanent exhibition covering various aspects of astronomy, providing information on both celestial phenomena and the history of astronomical instruments. Guided tours are enriched with professional interpretations, making science accessible and interesting for all visitors, from children to adults.The Petřín hill, where the observatory is located, is one of the largest green areas in Prague, offering not only an ideal place for astronomical observation, but also an oasis of peace and nature in the heart of the city. Petřín Gardens include other points of interest such as the Petřín Tower, which offers spectacular views of the city, and the Mirror Maze, a destination loved by both locals and tourists.The observatory is also very active in the scientific community. It has been publishing star atlases and the “Annual Astronomical Calendar” since 1933, an important resource for astronomy enthusiasts. It also organizes educational programs for schools and temporary exhibitions exploring various scientific themes, contributing to the dissemination of astronomical knowledge.