Antwerp observatory celebrates solar viewing day with new solar telescope
The Michiel Coignet Observatory in Antwerp will inaugurate a new solar telescope on Sunday to mark the annual solar viewing day. Located on Zirkstraat, the observatory is partnering with Volkssterrenwacht Urania in Hove to organise future activities and ensure long-term collaboration.
Founded in the 1920s by the Antwerp Astronomical Society, now the Royal Society for Astronomy of Antwerp (KSGA), the observatory is celebrating its 100th official anniversary this year, based on the publication of its first statutes in 1925. It has become a local institution, attracting numerous visitors each year eager to observe the moon, sun and stars.
Among its historical instruments is a 100-year-old Zeiss refracting telescope with a 13 cm lens, now fitted with a modern solar filter, making it ideal for observing sunspots. This "anniversary" telescope will be specially highlighted on Sunday. Additionally, a brand-new solar telescope will be unveiled, allowing visitors to observe solar flares and prominences in exquisite detail.
The observatory was restored in 2023 by Urania, one of six recognised public observatories in Flanders, known for its broad regional reach and active youth programmes. Urania welcomes about 20,000 visitors annually. Through this formal partnership, the KSGA, which is the oldest amateur astronomy association in Flanders, secures its future.
The public can visit the observatory and view the sun through the new telescope on Sunday between 13:00 and 18:00 as part of solar viewing day. During July and August, it will also be open every Saturday from 14:00 to 16:00.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO VOLKSSTERRENWACHT URANIA
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