Shooting Stars Night (Sternschnuppennacht) - South Tyrol Planetarium

The night of the Perseids in Val d'Ega

The Shooting Stars Night (known in German as Sternschnuppennacht) is the most anticipated summer event at the South Tyrol Planetarium in San Valentino in Campo, located in the municipality of Cornedo all'Isarco/Karneid, in the province of Bolzano. Every year around August 12th, coinciding with the night of St. Lawrence, the Earth crosses the Perseid meteor shower: dust left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet hits the Earth's atmosphere and causes air molecules to glow, creating the natural spectacle of shooting stars, which popular tradition calls the "tears of St. Lawrence."

An event blending science and wonder

For the occasion, the Planetarium and the adjacent Max Valier Astronomical Observatory organize an open house evening. Under the planetarium's dome, equipped with modern digital projectors, shows are held explaining the origin of shooting stars, their connection to comets, and the myths of the summer sky. At the observatory, using the large mirror telescope and observation stations, the public can then turn their gaze directly to the firmament, identifying constellations, the Milky Way, and visible planets, guided by amateur astronomers from the local South Tyrolean association.

Europe's first star village

San Valentino in Campo (Gummer) is known as the Sternendorf, Europe's first star village: here, in addition to the Planetarium, stand the Max Valier Observatory — dedicated to the astronautics pioneer Max Valier, born in Bolzano in 1895 — and the Peter Anich Solar Observatory. The high altitude of Val d'Ega, far from the light pollution of the city, makes this corner of South Tyrol one of the best places in the region for observing the night sky.

An event for the whole family

The Shooting Stars Night is designed for audiences of all ages, from astronomy enthusiasts to families with children. It is a captivating way to combine scientific outreach with the magic of the St. Lawrence tradition, when it is customary to make a wish upon seeing each shooting star. The initiative is part of the rich calendar of events that the South Tyrol Planetarium offers throughout the year in the municipality of Cornedo all'Isarco/Karneid, in Trentino-South Tyrol.