National Observatory of Athens
The National Observatory of Athens is a research institute situated in Athens, Greece.
History
Founded in 1842, it was the first scientific research institute built after Greece became independent in 1829.It was also the first scientific research institute in Balcans. It was financed in large part by the benefactor and diplomat Baron George Sinas. Astronomical observations began in September 1847, under the direction of George Vouris, its first director.
In 1890 the Observatory was reorganized as a governmental research center with the name National Observatory of Athens, and was expanded with the addition to the Astronomical Department of two new, the Meteorological and the Seismological. In 1942 the Departments were redenominated as Institutes, and in 1955 the Ionosphere Institute, was added.
In 1999 the names of the institutes of NOA were updated, as follows:
- Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development
- Institute of Geodynamics
- Institute for Space Applications and Remote Sensing
Emilios T. Harlaftis worked as a research fellow (1997–1998) at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the National Observatory of Athens.
Premises
The National Observatory of Athens has two buildings:
- The Central Premises
The central premises of the National Observatory of Athens are situated on top of Lofos Nymphon (Nymphs' Hill) at Thissio. Nymphs' Hill borders with Philopapou Hill and is opposite to the Acropolis and the Athenian Agora.
- Penteli's Astronomical Station
Penteli's Astronomical Station is situated on 'Lofos Koufou' at 'Palaia Penteli'
External links
The official site of the National Observatory of Athens (in Greek)
The official site of the National Observatory of Athens (in English)
The Central Premises in Google Maps
The Penteli's Astronomical Station in Google Maps
A short history of the National Observatory of Athens and its instruments (in English)