Givatayim observatory

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Givatayim observatory

The Givatayim Observatory was founded in 1968 by the City of Giw'atajim , ( Israel ) and the Israeli Astronomical Association (IAA).

Tasks of the Givatayim observatory

  • Public lectures and observations (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m., in the winter months only on Thursdays)
  • Astronomy courses for children and adults
  • Seminars for teachers
  • Supervision of school projects
  • Research activities (e.g. minor planets , variable stars , extrasolar planets )
  • Astrophotography

The observatory is located in Givatayim in the middle of a public park (2nd Aliya Park) on a hill (87 m above sea level), at the intersection of Golomb and Beer Reshit streets. Givatayim is a city on the eastern edge of Tel Aviv .

Instruments

The main instrument (LX200 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope) is located in the dome and is intended exclusively for astrophotography and research purposes. The other instruments are operated on the observation deck.

More

The sky in Givatayim or in the Tel Aviv area is heavily polluted with light. The situation has worsened in recent years due to the construction of many high-rise buildings (Azrieli Center, City Gate, the new public administration building, etc.), as these buildings are illuminated by strong floodlights at night and the floodlights also rise up into the sky. The same applies to numerous large billboards, whose floodlights also reach into the sky.

Since 1984 Dr. Igal Patel Director of the Observatory and Chairman of the Israel Astronomical Society. Shony Lotan is the organizational director of the observatory. The observatory has around 20 part-time employees.

The Minor Planet Center Observatory Code is 137.

Web links

Main page on the Israel Astronomical Society and the Givatayim Observatory

Coordinates: 32 ° 4 ′ 11 "  N , 34 ° 48 ′ 54.6"  E