In the central and highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis, an observatory has been settled more than thirty years ago. In fact, in 1986, the year that the Halley’s comet passed close to Earth, the Physics department of the University of Crete in collaboration with Greek and German institutions built the observatory on the peak called Skinakas (1750 m. elevation), west of the higher peak of the mountain. The observatory facilities are open to the public in summer period, on specific Sundays each year.
For 2022, the following Sundays will be open to the public: 1. June 05 2. July 10 3. August 07 4. August 21 5. September 11
According to the website of the Observatory, on the open days:
• facilities can be visited from 18:00 to 23:00,
• up to 20:30 presentations of the telescope and its operation are in Greek, and shorter in English can be available as well,
• after 20:30, the telescope points to pre-selected astronomical objects and the visitors can view them through an eyepiece,
• wear warm clothes on the peak, and keep on mind that there are no public restrooms, or other facilities for food and drinks,
• be aware of the narrow and steep road.
Source: https://skinakas.physics.uoc.gr/en/index.php/open-days
