ZAFA25
The project included the construction of a radio telescope on the Slovenian side and the upgrading of the existing planetarium on the Italian side. These interventions contributed to scientific research, university education, and the popularization of radio astronomy in schools. In addition, the upgrading of the planetarium enabled the astronomical society to become the owner of the largest planetarium in the region. The project strengthened cooperation between institutions through the exchange of knowledge and experience, fostering cultural connections and promoting astronomy among the public.
The main objectives of the project were:
• to build a radio telescope and construct an observatory to house it;
• to bring together Slovenian and Italian experts in the fields of science and technology from our region to develop a device that did not yet exist in our area;
• to open up new opportunities for young people studying natural sciences;
• to introduce the fields of optical and radio astronomy to a wider audience in our region;
• to support the promotion of the region as part of GO! 2025 European Capital of Culture through science.
As part of the project, the radio telescope and the radio astronomy observatory were built.
The radio telescope was built on a site near Nova vas in Opatje selo, in the karst region of the municipality of Miren-Kostanjevica. The municipality allocated a portion of municipal land for the project. The site was cleared of vegetation and levelled mechanically. Foundations were laid for both the radio telescope’s support structure and the small building housing the control room and a connection to the electricity grid was established. As the aim was also to preserve the local architecture and carefully integrate the building into its surroundings, the small building was constructed in the Karst style. To this end, the dry-stone wall bordering the area was also restored, strictly adhering to the principles of Karst dry-stone construction. The restoration was carried out under the supervision of the Karst Dry-Stone Construction Partnership and with the help of volunteers. This was also the first public event organised as part of the project. It was attended by people of all ages from both sides of the border. The entire site was finished by laying gravel and creating a grassed area on the remaining part. The area was fenced off in the style of a pasture or olive grove to preserve the local character.
The supporting structure of the radio telescope has been completed, thanks to the vital contribution of the engineers and welders who took part in the project. Following hot-dip galvanising, the instrument was transported to the observatory and, together with the main mechanical components, assembled on the specially prepared base. All the cables and control electronics required for the instrument’s operation have been installed. The electronic components for receiving and processing the radio signal have also been manufactured and installed. Everything has been connected to the control computer located in the small building, which has thus taken on the role of a control room.
The project was presented to pupils at the Trubar-Gregorčič Grammar School in Gorizia, who also visited the site; on this occasion, the first public stargazing session using the telescopes took place. Presentations were also given to the public during astronomy evenings in Cerje, at the primary school in Miren and via radio and television programmes in both Slovenia and Italy. Members of ZARAS also organised astronomy evenings for the Slovenian public at the observatory of our project partner, the CCAF Astronomy Club. These evenings combined presentations on the work of both institutions.
Particular attention was paid to the opening of the venue. Prominent figures from the world of culture and artists from both our local area and other parts of Slovenia attended the event. The aim was to celebrate the connection and cooperation between science and art in support of ECOC Nova Gorica - Gorizia 2025.
LINK to the project's website: zaras.si – ZARAS – Zavod za radijsko astronomijo
