45 reclining seats under a 7.5 metre sky

 

The night ↓ / 45 reclining seats and the whole universe ↓ / Find the real telescope ↓ / Space exploration beyond the telescope ↓ / Plan your night ↓ / Frequently asked questions ↓ / Source and current information ↓

THE NIGHT

MarSEC, the Marana Space Explorer Center at Marana di Crespadoro, offers a choice of astronomy evenings in the mountains of Vicenza province. You can book a live presentation of the seasonal sky, an astronomy talk or an event devoted to observing a particular planet. A short path from the parking area leads to the observatory.

For an Italian holiday with an evening of stargazing, the programme is the place to begin. Look for a live planetarium session if the reclining seats and a guided sky are the attraction; choose an observing event if you want time at a telescope.

45 RECLINING SEATS AND THE WHOLE UNIVERSE

The 45 reclining seats face a hemispherical projection dome 7.5 metres across, with Dolby Surround 5.1 audio. As you lean back, digital stars and astronomical imagery spread across the ceiling above you. During live sessions, a presenter guides you through the sky of the month, explaining what is visible and how it changes with the seasons.

The film programme reaches further. Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds explores planets orbiting other stars. It was produced by the Swiss Museum of Transport Planetarium in cooperation with NCCR PlanetS, a Swiss planetary science research programme, and the European Southern Observatory. Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible examines the environments around the enormous black holes associated with galaxies.

Both films have appeared in MarSEC’s programme. Film visits are also offered in the afternoon, so check the selected session’s time and content when planning your planetarium experience in Italy.

FIND THE REAL TELESCOPE

The public observatory dome is named after Margherita Hack, the Italian astrophysicist, and houses a telescope with a 320 mm primary mirror. A separate dome contains the larger telescope used for research.

Public observing events give the evening a specific subject. MarSEC’s Saturn nights, for example, pair a talk about the ringed planet with telescope observation from the terrace when conditions permit. The planet, the date and the weather determine the view. For stargazing in Vicenza, choose an event that explicitly includes observation and check its weather arrangements before travelling.

SPACE EXPLORATION BEYOND THE TELESCOPE

Guided visits can also include the permanent space exploration exhibition, with models, dioramas and authentic fragments connected with the history of astronautics. Recent programmes have combined the planetarium with displays about lunar missions and the James Webb Space Telescope, the space observatory developed by NASA, ESA and the Canadian Space Agency.

The objects and the films share a subject: how people build the instruments that allow us to investigate worlds beyond Earth. What you see during your visit depends on the programme you book.

PLAN YOUR NIGHT

Book through MarSEC’s public event calendar. Opening follows scheduled activities, and individual listings specify the time, content, contribution and booking conditions. Some guided film visits last around 90 minutes; evening programmes have their own durations.

Parking is by Albergo Ristorante Campana, followed by a short path to the observatory. Bring a warm layer for outdoor observation. For English language availability, age recommendations or access arrangements, contact MarSEC before booking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an unusual thing to do in Vicenza at night?

Book a MarSEC astronomy evening in Marana di Crespadoro. Depending on the session, the programme may include a live planetarium presentation, an astronomy talk or telescope observation.

Does a planetarium ticket include stargazing through a telescope?

Check the event description. Some guided visits include a planetarium film and a tour of the telescope dome without sky observation. Choose a listing that explicitly includes telescope observation if that is your priority.

What happens if it is cloudy?

The indoor planetarium uses a projected sky. Some observing events specify alternative indoor activities when the weather prevents telescope use; the arrangements are stated in the individual programme.

Can I visit with children?

Check the subject, recommended age, language and finishing time of the selected show. Afternoon film visits provide an alternative to late evening astronomy sessions.

Can I book a private planetarium visit?

MarSEC accepts private group requests for up to 40 participants. Email divulgazione@marsec.org with the preferred activity, date, time and group size. Availability and the final programme require confirmation.