A new state-of-the-art optical telescope has been operating since 20 November at Skinakas Observatory, the joint research infrastructure of the University of Crete and the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, made possible by the donation of land on the homonymous peak of Psiloritis, by the historic Municipality of Anogeia.

The Vice Rector of the University of Crete, Professor Michalis Pavlidis, Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, and Professor Vassilis Charmandaris, during the ceremony announcing the sponsorship by the "Greece 2021" Committee, on June 9, 2022.

The acquisition of the telescope, built by the Austrian company ASA Astrosysteme GbmH, with a diameter of 1.0 m, was made possible by a donation of 500,000 € by the Committee "Greece 2021" on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the revolution and foundation of the modern Greek state. The new telescope, which was christened "200+" by the President of the Committee, Ms. Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, will not only be used for research and astronomy education. It will be a reference point for the development and testing of innovative technologies and services related to the next-generation satellite-based telecommunications based on the use of infrared lasers, as well as a center for monitoring the position of these satellites, which now number into thousands and orbit a few hundred kilometers above the Earth's surface. Activities that will lead to the development of know-how in cutting-edge sectors, as well as creation of new jobs and economic growth in Crete.

The new telescope 1.0m "200+" at Skinakas Observatory

Vassilis Charmandaris, Professor at the University of Crete as well as Director of Skinakas Observatory and the Institute of Astrophysics of FORTH, says:

"It is difficult to express the enthusiasm of all the astronomers in our academic ecosystem here at Heraklion. After almost 30 years, a new telescope has begun collecting starlight on Skinakas! Thanks to the new telescope, we can capitalize in the best possible way on the impressive potential of the newly established Institute of Astrophysics and continue to attract the best researchers and students from Greece and abroad. Young people with good ideas and hard work, relying on our infrastructure and the high-quality academic environment of our hospitable island, will make their dreams come true and Crete famous and prosperous". Also, in 2025, the construction of the so-called "School of the Stars" at Skinakas Observatory of nearly €1 million is expected to be completed. A 360 sqm building which includes a hall with 85 seats and has been a vision of the Municipality of Anogeia for almost 15 years.

The building of the "School of the stars", is under construction and it is expected to be completed in 2025

Sokratis Kefalogiannis, Mayor of the Municipality of Anogeia explains:

"Since the establishment of the Observatory, almost 40 years ago until today, the Municipality of Anogia supports it, because we are fully aware of the importance of this infrastructure, not only for our region and the island of Crete but also for our country. The new building, the "School of the stars", is part of the strategic planning of the Municipality for the development of the mountainous area. It is expected to be completed in 2025 and together with the telescopes of Skinakas Observatory, it will become a pole of attraction and a link between the Municipality of Anogeia, the University of Crete and FORTH. The three institutions together will organize cultural and educational activities, as well as activities in the up-and-coming theme of astrotourism. The new building will help us to take initiatives together that will make a tangible contribution to a gentle and high-quality development of mountainous Crete by highlighting, always with respect to our tradition, the history, the culture and the bright future of our land".

“The investment is extremely important and would not have been possible without the contribution of the Committee "Greece 2021" which I would like to thank again personally” Prof. Charmandaris said.

"The sky is not our limit" is the motto of the Institute of Astrophysics of FORTH and the Skinakas Observatory. The new 1.0m telescope will help the astronomers at Skinakas push this limit even further.

A panoramic view of the Skinakas Observatory