Academic CentreAstronomers who set up the telescope and assist the visitors in locating the objects of observation. “The experts will show and tell what we are observing and answer the questions. The telescope enables viewing the Moon, planets, some nebula, galaxy, double stars, star clusters and other objects. Sometimes visitors have various questions about the universe and space,” says Ilgonis Vilks, a researcher at the UL Institute of Astronomy and an expert at the UL Museum.
Everyone is invited to participate in the demonstration that will be exploratory, as well as visually enjoyable. “People of all ages are welcome here. Steps are available to the youngest visitors for an easy climb up to the telescope for viewing the expanse of sky,” conveys the UL researcher I. Vilks. Visitors should note that the visible objects would change over time. For example, the Moon can be seen very well this evening, but after two weeks, it will be visible only in the mornings. The planet Jupiter, which will be out of sight in a few months, is now manifest in the night sky.
The UL Astronomy Tower has a long history and this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. The astronomer reflects upon the history of the tower: “The university is celebrating its centenary this year, but the building itself is older. Formerly Raiņa bulvāris 19 was a home to the Polytechnic Institute, before that – to the Riga Polytechnic School. In the autumn of 1869, the completed building opened its doors to the students, and the Astronomy Tower began to function too.” Notably, a complete solar eclipse was observed from the Astronomical Tower already in 1914.
Asked why he would advise everyone to come and enjoy the opportunity to explore space, the researcher I. Vilks says: “One of the most cheerful entries in the visitor's book reads like this: “I saw the Saturn ring in the telescope. Fantastic!” Yes, of course, these beautiful images of space are all around us on the Internet, in encyclopaedias, in books, but to see it with one's own eyes – it is quite another thing, it is a direct, immediate experience.”
Demonstrations of starry sky to public take place on Mondays and Thursdays at 19:00, prior appointment is not necessary, the only pre-condition is clear skies. UL students and staff can visit the Astronomy Tower free of charge. The entry fee for students of other universities, pupils, children and seniors is € 1, while for everyone else – € 2. The tower has a capacity of about 25 people and the time of visit is unlimited.
 Astronomy Tower. Until the end of March, all those who would like to cast the eyes upon the Moon, learn more about space, or just enjoy an evening’s close-up of starry skies are welcome to the highest point of the UL main building at Raiņa bulvāris 19, the Astronomy Tower. Knowledgeable experts with a wide range of information will provide explanations to all the inquiries.){kind=link}