Volkssterrenwacht Mira, Public observatory and museum in Grimbergen, Belgium
The Volkssterrenwacht Mira is a public observatory with a museum section located within the Abbey of Grimbergen buildings. It features two telescope domes, a solar telescope, interactive exhibition rooms, and a collection of astronomical instruments spanning different periods.
The observatory was founded in 1967 by Father Pieraerts within the Abbey buildings, created to bring astronomy to the general public. An expansion in 2000 modernized the facility's observation capabilities and doubled its exhibition space.
The name Mira refers to a famous variable star, reflecting the place's focus on celestial observation. Visitors can sense the passion for astronomy throughout the displays, from historical notes by observers to models that explain the workings of the cosmos.
Visits are well organized with regular open hours and options for group bookings by arrangement. Telescope observations depend on weather conditions, so clear skies cannot be guaranteed on every visit.
The site includes a weather station where visitors can monitor meteorological data in real time while observing the stars. This combination allows visitors to directly experience how weather conditions affect what is visible in the sky.
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