| Trieste Astronomical Observatory | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica |
| Location | Trieste, Italy |
| Website www.ts.astro.it |
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The Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste (Trieste Astronomical Observatory) is an astronomical center of studies located in Trieste, northern Italy.
The observatory originates from the Nautical School founded in Trieste by the Empress Maria Theresia of Austria in 1753. Entered into the lists of Italian astronomical observatories in 1923, the Trieste Astronomical Observatory is presently part of the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (National Institute for Astrophysics, INAF). The scientific production of the Astronomical Observatory exceeds 130 papers per year, mostly on international refereed Journals.
The main research and development activity includes extragalactic astronomy and cosmology (large scale structure of the universe, intergalactic medium), stellar physics, interstellar medium and the Galaxy, the physics of the Sun and the solar system (radioastronomy, coronal plasma, cometary and interplanetary dust), high energy astrophysics (Supernovae, gamma-ray bursts), astronomical technologies (computer system for data acquisition and control, including remote control, acquisition, handling and analysis of images, supercomputing) and space astronomy (development of space technologies and space observations). Of special importance is the participation in the projects of the ESO Very Large Telescope, the Large Binocular Telescope, the Planck spacecraft and the E-ELT.
The Astronomical Observatory is integrated with the major local scientific institutions (AREA, SISSA, University of Trieste) and cooperates with mayor national and international astronomical institutions (ASI Italian Space Agency, ESA, ESO).