Civic Planetarium of Lecco

Nestled within the charming Villa Belgiojoso in the picturesque city of Lecco, the Civic Planetarium of Lecco (Planetario civico di Lecco) stands as a beacon for astronomy enthusiasts, curious minds, and those eager to explore the cosmos. This captivating venue, part of the Lecco museum system, offers a stellar experience that transcends the boundaries of our world, inviting visitors on a journey through the stars.

The Birth of a Celestial Sanctuary

The Civic Planetarium of Lecco owes its existence to the passion and dedication of the Deep Space Astrophiles Group, founded in 1996. Their dream materialized in 2004 when the local administration allocated a section of the historic Palazzo Belgiojoso, already home to the city's archaeological and natural history museums, to house the planetarium. Officially inaugurated in May 2004, the planetarium began its celestial presentations on January 8, 2005, under the guidance of Erasmo Bardelli, the visionary leader of the Deep Space group.

Since October 2016, under the leadership of Franco Molteni, the planetarium has expanded its offerings with daily school visits, workshops, camps for children and teenagers, and interdisciplinary activities connecting the cosmos with music, theater, literature, and cinema. Special themed days and events have made the planetarium a dynamic hub of astronomical education and entertainment.

A Glimpse into the Structure

The Civic Planetarium of Lecco boasts a variety of spaces designed to enhance the visitor experience. The journey begins at the ticket office, leading to a library for members, an exhibition room showcasing astronomical instruments, and a multimedia hall for conferences. The heart of the planetarium, however, is the dome, where the magic of the cosmos comes alive.

The Enchanting Dome

The dome of the planetarium, with a diameter of eight meters and a seating capacity of 62, is among the finest in Italy. Crafted from painted steel, the dome's surface captures the light projected from the central instrument, creating an incredibly realistic night sky. The dome's perimeter features silhouettes of Lecco's iconic landmarks, including the San Nicolò Bell Tower, the Resegone mountain, and the La Meridiana shopping center, blending local charm with celestial wonders.

The Stellar Projector

At the core of the planetarium lies the Gambato model projector, an engineering marvel controlled by electric commands. This sophisticated device can replicate the apparent movements of the celestial sphere, displaying all celestial bodies at any given time, date, or historical period. With the capability to project 3200 stars, the projector also illustrates cardinal points, constellations, zodiac signs, and significant astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and supernova explosions.

The Multimedia Hall

Adjacent to the dome, the multimedia hall serves as a versatile space for conferences and workshops that do not require the dome's celestial projections. Here, images and videos complement the educational programs, providing a comprehensive understanding of various astronomical topics.

The Observatory

Inaugurated on September 19, 2011, in the presence of astronaut Umberto Guidoni, the observatory at the Civic Planetarium of Lecco is a gem for sky watchers. Located on the rooftop alongside the dome, the small Canadian-made observatory houses a remotely controlled Celestron C11 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. This powerful instrument allows for detailed observations of the night sky, even from the comfort of the conference hall.

A Treasure Trove of Instruments

Visitors to the planetarium can marvel at a collection of homemade instruments crafted by the experts of the Deep Space group. Among these are the spark chamber, which visually detects cosmic ray particles known as muons, and a cosmic particle detector inspired by a visit to CERN in Geneva. Other intriguing devices include a solar eclipse simulator, Newton's tube demonstrating the principles of free fall, a 24-hour clock, a nocturnal, and various models of astronomical events.

Engaging Events and Activities

The Civic Planetarium of Lecco hosts a variety of events to engage visitors of all ages. Every first and third Saturday of the month, children can enjoy special shows tailored to their curiosity. Sundays feature celestial projections accompanied by expert explanations, suitable for all audiences. On Fridays, the planetarium offers in-depth lectures on diverse astronomical themes.

Throughout the year, the planetarium celebrates special days dedicated to popular culture and astronomical phenomena, such as Star Wars, superheroes, Asteroid Day, and exceptional celestial events. Since 2009, the planetarium has been the official venue for the annual AstronautiCon convention, attracting prominent figures from the world of space exploration.

In conclusion, the Civic Planetarium of Lecco is not just a place to observe the stars; it is a gateway to the universe, a center of learning, and a community hub where the wonders of the cosmos are brought to life. Whether you are an avid astronomer or a curious visitor, the planetarium offers an unforgettable journey through the stars, right in the heart of Lecco.