Home › Places › Nature & trails › Astrotombola e Astrorazzi
Family science · VICENZA
Build and launch a rocket in Vicenza’s mountain observatory
A mountain escape in northern Italy for children who dream of space
For children who dream of space, Vicenza’s mountains offer a reason to plan the trip around a science workshop: building and launching a model rocket. Astronomy bingo gives younger explorers their own introduction to planets and galaxies, with a small rocket launch to finish.
You have saved two places. Leave your email and you will find them on any device, plus the next drop.
Tao Yuan · Unsplash
Know before you go
Dates change throughout the year and booking is required. Telefono: +39 0424 462221 Email generale: info@asiago.to Email osservatorio: visite.asiago.dfa@unipd.it Email workshop Astrorazzi: associazioned@bt-research.com
About
A few minutes above the centre of Asiago, a silver astronomical dome rises from meadows and spruce forest at Pennar. The observatory opened here in 1942 with the 122 cm Galileo telescope, at the time the largest telescope in Europe. Today some of its most unusual public programmes are designed for children.
There are two very different ways to launch something.
Astrotombola, designed especially for children aged 6 to 11, uses astronomy bingo to introduce planets, nebulae, galaxies and telescopes inside the observatory’s multimedia dome. The finale is wonderfully low tech: a small rocket powered by bicarbonate and vinegar.
Astrorazzi is the serious upgrade. Children aged 6 to 14 build their own model rocket and launch it under supervision using a solid propellant motor, in collaboration with BT Research.
Book the named activity: Astrorazzi is the rocket building workshop for ages 6 to 14; Astrotombola is astronomy bingo for ages 6 to 11. For rocket workshops, contact BT Research directly. Launches depend on suitable weather. These activities take place at the Pennar station, so use the address below when planning your visit.
Make astronomy part of your Asiago trip
The observatory also programmes solar observations, evening astronomy sessions and walks ending with an observatory visit. These are separate activities with their own schedules and booking arrangements.