The Institute of Astrophysics of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, with the support of the Municipality of Heraklion, is organizing two stargazing nights dedicated to the impressive parade of planets that currently adorns the night sky, on February 8 and 9, 2025, at 19:00 - 21:00, Heraklion Walls, Jesus Bastion.

During the event, the public will have the opportunity to observe with telescopes, including the not-so-frequent "parade" of the majority of the planets of our solar system, such as glowing Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, bright Venus, also known as the “Evening Star” and Mars as it approaches Earth, which happens every two years or so!

The event is supported by the Crete Astronomy Friends Club (Σ.Φ.Α.Κ.), the Crete Astrophysics Group of the University of Crete, and the following schools: "PAGKRITION" Private School, the Model General High School of Heraklion and the European School of Heraklion. These institutions will participate in the event with their own telescopes.

This event is open to people of all ages and is a good opportunity for the public to get acquainted with various astronomical objects in the near space environment, such as the planets and the Moon, but also more distant suns - weather permitting.

Photo: Thanasis Chatzis
"View of the night sky from the Shepherd's Land in Anogia"

Organized by
Institute of Astrophysics - Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH)