Hamamatsu Astronomical Observatory
[Route]
| Zip | 430-0836 |
|---|---|
| Address | 242-1 Fukushima-cho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu-shi |
| Tel | 053-425-9158 |
| Fax | 053-427-1011 |
| URL | http://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hao/ |
| Hours | Tue-Thu 9:00am-5:30pm Fri-Sun 1:00am-9:00pm |
| Admission | Free |
| Close | Mondays Holidays New Year Holidays |
Establishment
Hamamatsu Astronomical Observatory (Hamamatsu-shi Tenbōdai) was opened to familiarize locals with the study of astronomy in April 1982. The facility is characterized with the hemispherical dome with diameter of 5.5m on the roof of the building, which is conspicuous even from a great distance.
Contents
The dome equipped a 20cm refracting telescope, ten movable small telescopes (10cm refracting telescope and 16cm reflecting telescope), and a telescope of exclusive use for astrophotography. Exhibition Hall displays a radio-meteor observing device, pictures by visitors, telescopes, and a display of the lunar surface. Its library contains a wide range of astronomy books including children books and technical books.
Remarks
Since the foundation day, a public stargazing session has been operated for free at 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Oct-Mar 6:30pm-8:30pm) on every Saturday. An observation session of the sun and stars is held at 2:00pm to 4:00pm on the first Sunday of a month. It hosts astronomical courses and a mobile astronomy classroom traveling throughout the schools in the region to familiarizing kids with the field.