Astronomical observatory in locality Saint-Barthelemy in the Commune of Nus.

►The instruments .. introduction

The astronomy instruments in the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley’s Astronomical Observatory are among the most important in Italy and Europe.

All the instruments are connected in a network between each other and all the laboratories and offices. This means that it is possible to work in one place whilst keeping under control the various instruments and astronomical objects under observation.

This means saving time and gives a wider breadth of activity for research as well as teaching/publishing.

►The instruments .. the main telescope

. Reflector measuring 800 mm f/7,5 on a fork equatorial mount and with friction movement on a A.R. axis (total weight 1700 kg);

. Bowen-Vaughan Configuration a field corrector gives 2° accuracy;

. The coordination between the telescope and cupola is electronically controlled;

. 2 auxiliary instruments: 250 mm Cassegrain f/15 guide telescope and a Maksutov 250 mm f/3,8.

►The instruments .. accessories for instruments

The Observatory has a wide range of CCD cameras:

. A HI-SIS 39 camera with Kodak 1001E 1024x1024 pixel sensor;

. Two HI-SIS 33 cameras with Thompson 512x512 pixel sensors;

. Two HI-SIS 23 cameras with Kodak 401E sensors;

. A Sbig STV camera for tracking.

It is also possible to use a photon counter photometer.

►The instruments .. astronomy balconies

Two balconies with electronically controlled ceilings that can be opened to the sky are situated south of the main cupola, measuring about 20 metres each. They contain a wide variety of astronomical instruments either for teaching or for astronomers.

►The teaching balcony

Seven 250 mm f/10 telescopes in Cassegrain configuration and German equatorial mount.

They all have an automatic sighting system and can, if necessary, be manoeuvred by a single operator connected to the local network.

►The amateur astronomers' balcony

The following equipment has been installed:

. A 400 mm f/8 R-C reflector on fork mount;

. A 250 mm f/3,8 Maksutov to observe deep sky objects;

. A 250 mm f/20 Maksutov to observe planets;

. An acromatic 150 mm f/12 refractor.

All the telescopes have automatic sighting control systems. There is also an equiped area where astronomers can set up their own instruments.

►The instruments .. sun observatory

Contains:

. A siderostat measuring 300 mm in diameter. The telescope has an objective 120 mm f 2000 mm lens (the image is formed inside a room where the sun can be observed as a projection of white light;

. A 600 lines/mm grid spectroscope and a Hα filter that, using a CCD camera, projects the image on a TV monitor.