Astronomical Observatory in Piwnice

The Astronomical Observatory in Piwnice, part of the Institute of Astronomy of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, is the largest center of this type in Poland. This is a place where you will learn about the extraordinary world of planets and stars, listen to amazing stories and see many unique instruments. In the optical part you will see, among others: the historic Draper astrograph, built in 1891, which is the oldest instrument in the Observatory and the largest optical telescope in Poland with a mirror diameter of 90 cm. The original control panel next to it allows you to see what observations looked like before modern computers came into play. In the radio astronomy part, you will be delighted by two radio telescopes - the majestic RT-4 Copernicus radio telescope, the largest in Poland, with a dish diameter of 32 m, and the smaller RT-3 radio telescope with a dish diameter of 15 m. Attention! Due to the scientific and research nature of the unit, visits are only possible on designated dates.