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The Astronomic ObservatoryOriginThe Astronomic Observatory of Universitat de València (OAUV) was set up in 1907 by Ignasi Tarazona Blanch, a professor in Cosmography and Physics of the Globe. It is one of the oldest university astronomic observatories in Spain.
The first instruments were fitted on the roof of the historic Universitat building at La Nau street. Unfortunately, a fire in 1932 destroyed almost all of the astronomic equipment. In 1947 the Observatory was moved to Blasco Ibáñez Avenue, to the current Universitat headquarters, an emblematic building for Universitat and the city of València. An Observatory Museum has been set up in this location. The exhibits include a part of the instruments and equipment saved from the 1932 fire. For museum purposes, the dome and the recently restored Grubb telescope will remain operational. The museum displays Dr Tarazona's original office as well as part of his library and manuscripts.
The presentAt present, most astronomic observatories around cities or highly
polluted areas tend to install their new observation instruments in
places where the better sky quality justifies investment. Part of the
scientific equipment of the Astronomic Observatory has been installed
in an observation station in Ares de los Olmos called Astronomic Centre
of Alt Túria (CAAT). These facilities are shared by the Valencian
Astronomy Association. The Observatory has recently installed a powerful
robotised 60 cm diameter telescope to make the most of the ideal condition
of the sky in the station. This telescope is used on a remote-control
basis via the Internet in such a way that observation tasks will be
programmed and executed automatically. The new telescope encourages research in the Observatory’s work lines: photometry of young open star cumuli, study of galaxy and galaxy active nuclei, asteroid astrometry, search for extra-solar planets, and research on optical counterparts of gamma-ray eruptions.
Astronomy disseminationThe Astronomic Observatory carried out collaboration and teaching activities with different university departments. To that end, the facilities are made available to the university community. In cooperation with the Astronomy Department, students have access to the facilities of CAAT to complete their practical work.
In cooperation with the Astronomy Department, open astronomic observation sessions are held every Friday night: ‘Friday night, stars night’. The observations planned for the night are explained and teaching materials handed out; participants can then use the telescopes in the Jeroni Muñoz building in Burjassot. Following an agreement with the Department for Education of the regional government, the Observatory coordinates the astronomy education project The Sky Classroom targeted at primary education children (third cycle), and secondary and high schools.
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Shortly after its foundation, the Observatory was equipped with excellent
astronomic observation instruments, from which a refractor telescope
bought from the prestigious firm Grubb stands out. Grubb was a Victorian
company that made history in the astronomy field by manufacturing most
of the most famous telescopes in the world.
The Observatory has participated in the dissemination of astronomy
developments in society, stimulating the participation and interaction
with people. Within this context and in cooperation with València’s
City of the Arts and Sciences, the Observatory organises a number of
astronomy lectures and courses. Likewise, within the theme topic Science
for Everybody of the Nau dels Estudiants programme organised
by the Student Guidance and Promotion Centre (CADE), Observatory staff
give a course called ‘Night Secrets’.