Evenings at the Observatory
Conferences and stargazing at the Pistoia Mountains Astronomical Observatory
About Evenings at the Observatory
Evenings at the Pistoia Mountains Observatory
At an altitude of over one thousand meters, nestled in the woods of the Pistoia Mountains and far from city lights, the Pistoia Mountains Astronomical Observatory in Pian de' Termini (Gavinana, Municipality of San Marcello Piteglio, Province of Pistoia) opens its domes to the public for an extensive series of educational evenings. From April to December, the Pistoia Mountains Amateur Astronomers Group (GAMP) offers lectures, meetings, courses, and guided telescope observations: an accessible and fascinating way to explore the world of astronomy.
A historic observatory in the Pistoia Mountains
Born from a project started in the early eighties and inaugurated in 1990, the Observatory is now a key reference point for astronomical outreach in Tuscany. The two domes, the second of which opened in 2003, house a 40 cm and a 60 cm diameter telescope, respectively. Its location, in a dark and quiet area of the Pistoia Mountains, makes it ideal for observing deep-sky objects, planets, and meteor showers.
Lectures, courses, and observations
The calendar alternates between themed evenings, guest speaker lectures, basic astronomy courses, and events tied to the year's major celestial phenomena. Among the most anticipated moments are the Perseids nights in August, observations of the Moon and Saturn, and evenings dedicated to solstices and meteor showers like the Geminids in December.
- Educational lectures held by amateur astronomers, science communicators, and university researchers
- Guided telescope observations of planets, the Moon, star clusters, and galaxies
- Basic astronomy courses open to adults
- Special evenings for meteor showers and major astronomical events of the year
Who is it for?
The evenings are designed for everyone: families with children, schools, enthusiasts, and the simply curious. The series is part of the Summer in the Mountains program and helps promote the Pistoia Mountains as a destination for astronomical and nature tourism, offering an experience that combines science, education, and the beauty of the Tuscan night sky.
Evenings at the Observatory — edition 2026
The 2026 program of the Pistoia Mountains Astronomical Observatory runs from April to December with lectures, courses, and guided telescopic observations. It kicks off in April with the spring sky and concludes in December with the Geminids and the winter solstice, passing through the Perseid nights in August and numerous themed evenings led by science communicators and researchers. The evenings are part of the 2026 Summer in the Mountains program and are held in Pian de' Termini, San Marcello Piteglio.
Programme Evenings at the Observatory 2026
Spring and Summer
- April 18 — 9:00 PM — The Spring Sky
- May 30 — 9:00 PM — Under the Skies of the Amerigo Vespucci (Carlo Degl'Innocenti)
- June 20 — 9:30 PM — The Summer Solstice
- June 27 — 9:30 PM — Asteroid Day
- July 4 — 9:30 PM — The Summer Sky
- July 11 — 9:30 PM — Why is the Night Sky Dark? (Dr. Emiliano Ricci) — free admission
- August 1 — 9:30 PM — Under the Same Sky: When Planets Speak (Dr. Daniele Franchi, Dr. Emanuele Tognelli) — free admission
The Perseid Nights and the Eclipse
- August 10 and 13 — 8:45 PM / 9:30 PM / 10:15 PM — The Perseid Nights
- August 12 — Solar Eclipse (members only)
- August 24-25 — Basic Astronomy Course (adults only)
Autumn and Winter
- September 4 — 9:00 PM — A Journey Through Galaxies and Black Holes in the Primordial Universe (Dr. Eleonora Parlanti) — free admission
- September 19 — 9:00 PM — The Night of the Moon
- October 3 — 9:00 PM — The Night of Saturn
- October 17 — 9:00 PM — The Autumn Sky
- November 21 — 9:00 PM — The Science of the Supermoon
- December 12 — 9:00 PM — The Night of the Geminids
- December 19 — 9:00 PM — The Winter Solstice
Program subject to change based on weather conditions. Booking is mandatory.
Highlights Evenings at the Observatory 2026
Prices Evenings at the Observatory 2026
Practical information — Evenings at the Observatory
Location
Pistoia Mountains Astronomical Observatory, Pian de' Termini, Gavinana, San Marcello Piteglio (PT), 51028.
How to get there
By car, take the SS66 to Gavinana, then follow the signs for Pian de' Termini. The final stretch is a forest road: we recommend arriving early and bringing warm clothing, even in summer (due to the altitude).
Reservations
Booking is mandatory at the Bellucci Library in San Marcello by calling +39 0573 621289. Many lectures are free to attend; for telescopic observations, we advise checking weather conditions before setting out.
Tips
Bring a flashlight (preferably with a red light), suitable mountain clothing, and, if possible, binoculars. The evenings take place outdoors and may be cancelled or rescheduled in case of bad weather.
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Where does it take place — Evenings at the Observatory
Osservatorio Astronomico della Montagna Pistoiese
Pian de' Termini, Gavinana, 51028 San Marcello Piteglio