The first observatory in Vietnam will open to visitors in early September

Vietnam's first observatory will begin to operate and open to visitors from September 2017.

Located at Hon Chong (Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa), the observatory and the space projection house are equipped with modern equipment for research, training and popularization of astronomical knowledge. learn.

On August 18, Vietnam Space Center (VNSC), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology held a ceremony to hand over the technique of Nha Trang Observatory.

Starting construction in 2014, Nha Trang Observatory is located at Hon Chong (Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa) with an investment cost of about VND 60 billion.

Nha Trang Observatory consists of a 0.5-meter-diameter optical telescope, a 60-seat cosmos projection house and an space gallery of 200m2 in size.

A 0.5 meter diameter optical telescope in Nha Trang observatory - (Photo: THANH HA).

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Associate Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan - General Director of Vietnam Space Center said: "Nha Trang Observatory is responsible for carrying out basic research on optical astrophysics and disseminating knowledge of space science to the community, supporting training, teaching and improving the quality of human resources in the field of astrophysics and the universe, collaborating research with field research groups at home and abroad ".

The Nha Trang Observatory's telescope is a reflex optical telescope made by Marcon Company, a well-known Italian company for precision engineering, design and manufacture. The driving structure of the glass is synchronized with the automatic control dome. The glass is equipped with a camera and a spectrum analyzer with high image resolution and spectrum in a wide wavelength range.

Some of the studies that can be carried out on this system are: observing variable stars, thereby conducting atmospheric research (thickness, cloudiness, blindness); measure the spectral lines of stars to obtain information about star types, rotational speeds and magnitude of magnetic fields on the stellar surface; measuring the radial velocity of the host to search for exoplanets; measuring the rotation speed of some planets; studying the morphology of galaxies; search for objects near Earth, supernova or optical emission accompanied by fast radio outbreaks .

Cosmic projection at Nha Trang Observatory is designed like a cinema but with a dome-shaped screen. Images as well as footage will be shown on the dome by a system of 6 high-resolution projectors that delivers realistic 3D effects on the sky and stars.

The cylindrical projection house provides knowledge of astronomy, explaining some astronomical phenomena such as the delimitation of seasons in the year; the changing position of celestial bodies in the sky; familiar phenomena such as solar eclipses, eclipses . visually through visual effects, help satisfy the curiosity of people, especially children, about the sky and the universe, thereby arousing passionate about exploring.

Nha Trang Observatory is one of the two Observatories which was built in the framework of Vietnam Space Center project. The second observatory is under construction at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park (Hanoi), scheduled to be operational in 2018.

Nha Trang city has decided to put Nha Trang Observatory on the schedule of Nha Trang tour by visiting and traveling to this city. Expected, Nha Trang observatory will officially open to visitors at the end of September next.