Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitasubaru, Public observatory in Nayoro, Japan
Kitasubaru is a public observatory in Nayoro equipped with a large telescope and a planetarium dome for observing and learning about the sky. The main telescope measures 1.6 meters in diameter, and the digital planetarium features an 8-meter dome with high-definition projectors for presentations.
The facility opened in April 2010 as a new venue for astronomy and science education in Hokkaido. The addition of a major telescope by Hokkaido University expanded its capacity to serve visitors and researchers in the region.
The observatory brings together people from the community to explore the night sky and learn about astronomy through shared experiences. Local schools and groups regularly visit for workshops and observation sessions that make science tangible and engaging.
The facility opens in the afternoon and closes in the evening, with extended hours during the warmer months and earlier closing times in winter. Check current schedules before visiting, as hours vary by season and conditions.
The telescope ranks among Japan's larger public instruments and was specifically selected and installed by Hokkaido University for this location. This allows visitors to observe celestial bodies with remarkable detail, distinguishing this observatory among similar facilities in the region.
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