National Congress UAI
The 59th congress of Italian astronomers, dedicated to Paolo Maffei
About National Congress UAI
The national gathering of Italian astronomers
The UAI National Congress is the annual event of the Italian Union of Amateur Astronomers, one of the most important gatherings for astronomy enthusiasts throughout Italy. Every year it takes place in a different city; the 59th edition is held in Foligno, in the Province of Perugia, hosted by the Antares Astronomical Association, founded by Paolo Maffei himself.
A tribute to Paolo Maffei
The Foligno edition is dedicated to the centenary of the birth of Paolo Maffei (1926-2026), the astrophysicist born in Foligno whose research ranged from comets to the study of the deep universe. The chosen theme, "Widespread Astronomy: The Legacy of Paolo Maffei," emphasizes the value of outreach and the work of amateur astronomers. The venue is the Paolo Maffei Library Archive, in the hamlet of Sant'Eraclio, managed by the Antares Association.
Conferences, exchanges, and awards
The program includes conferences, moments of dialogue and exchange between associations, sharing of observational experiences, and opportunities for meetings among Italian astronomers. During the congress, the traditional UAI awards are presented, such as the Gian Battista Lacchini Prize, the Guido Ruggieri Prize, and the Star of Merit, which recognize those who have distinguished themselves in amateur astronomy and outreach. The event is open to the public and represents a valuable opportunity even for those simply curious about the sky.
National Congress UAI — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 59th, of the UAI National Congress is held in Foligno from May 8 to 10, hosted by the Antares Astronomical Association at the Paolo Maffei Library Archive, in the hamlet of Sant'Eraclio. The congress is dedicated to the centenary of the birth of the Foligno-born astrophysicist Paolo Maffei (1926-2026), with the theme "Widespread Astronomy: The Legacy of Paolo Maffei".
The program includes conferences, moments of dialogue and exchange between amateur astronomy associations, sharing of observational experiences, and the awarding of traditional UAI recognitions. The event is open to the public and to astronomy enthusiasts from all over Italy.
Programme National Congress UAI 2026
59th UAI National Congress — May 8-10, 2026, Foligno (Sant'Eraclio)
Venue: Paolo Maffei Library Archive. Theme: "Widespread Astronomy: The Legacy of Paolo Maffei". Program spread over three days:
- Conferences and reports dedicated to astronomy and the figure of Paolo Maffei, on the centenary of his birth
- Exchanges and dialogue between Italian amateur astronomy associations
- Observational experiences and moments of sharing among amateur astronomers
- UAI Awards: Gian Battista Lacchini Prize, Guido Ruggieri Prize, Star of Merit
The detailed hourly program is published on the UAI and Municipality of Foligno websites.
Highlights National Congress UAI 2026
Prices National Congress UAI 2026
Practical information — National Congress UAI
How to get there
Foligno is a railway hub on the Rome-Ancona and Rome-Florence lines and can be reached by car from the SS3 Flaminia. The Paolo Maffei Library Archive is located in the hamlet of Sant'Eraclio.
When
May 2026, over three days. The detailed program is published by UAI and the Municipality of Foligno.
Participation
Event open to the public; registration may be required for some sessions through UAI.
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Where does it take place — National Congress UAI
Biblioteca Archivio Paolo Maffei (Sant'Eraclio)
Biblioteca Archivio Paolo Maffei, Sant'Eraclio, 06034 Foligno