Observatorio Perola
Observatorio Perola (Martino: Perola Observatory) is an observatory in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Situated on the Collina del Estrellas, it offers an unprecedented view of the city, including the University District to the north, Entertainment Sector to the southwest, and the Nuevo Ciudad de la Oeste to the west. It is a major tourist attraction as well, offering panorama tours and a host of space and science-related activities. It was named after Hector Perola, co-founder of the institute and its first director. Admission is free since 1700 AN, instead its activities are funded in whole by the University of Cárdenas to which it is loosely attached.
History
The Observatory was first conceived during the early stages of the Cárdenas Plan, as a possibility of scientific research into astronomy in the new capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Hector Perola, along with co-founders Samuel Kreizer and Natalie Iradon, succesfully advocated for the construction of the observatory, which was completed in 1688 AN. Its main point of pride was the acquisition of a 35 cm refracting telescope, which was the largest aperture for a telescope in Nouvelle Alexandrie for that time. It became closely associated with the University's Department of Astronomy, but it was spun off into the University Astronomical Institute in 1700 AN to offer more freedom in private and public research collaboration and funding. One of its major contributors was the astronomer Carlos Seiza, who discovered over 200 new stars and 50 asteroids while employed at Perola.
In 1730 AN, the observatory underwent a major renovation and expansion that saw the addition of new exhibit space and the rehabilitation of the planetarium space. It also gained new amenities such as a gift shop and a café, as well as a small, 200-seat theater.
Interior
Instrumentation
The scientific activities of Perola are divided into two dedicated sections: Astronomy, and Seismology. The former focuses on the studies of stars, comets, and asteroids; while the latter conducts seismographic research for Cárdenas and the Santander Region.
Astronomical instruments:
- Main Telescope: refractor telescope 38 cm in diameter (1688 AN). It is a double instrument with a visual lens of 6.8 m focal length and a photographic lens of 4.1 m focal length with a plate holder of 20 x 26 cm.
- Transit Instrument: 200 mm diameter meridian circle telescope.
- Solar Telescope: reflector telescope 270 mm in diameter (1730 AN). It utilizes a spectroheliograph to study and photograph Atos.
- Public telescopes: two portable reflector telescopes 10 cm in diameter, 5 kg each.
Seismic instruments:
Exhibits
Perola Observatory has two main exhibition spaces: the original planetarium room constructed in 1688 AN and upgraded in 1730 AN; and the new underground Space Explorer Hall, which opened in 1730 AN.
Planetarium
The original planetarium featured an optical planetarium projector with a resolving power of about 4,500 stars per cm2. It was the most-visited part of the observatory before its renovation in 1730 AN. In that year, the optical projector was replaced with a UHD digital projector, capable of fulldome video and laser projection. This increased resolving power to more than 50,000 stars per cm2, and allowed for immersive wide-screen projections.
Space Explorer Hall
The Space Explorer Hall is a large underground exhibition hall that was opened in 1730 AN to provide ample exhibition space for visitors and researchers in the field of astronomy and space sciences. It is divided up into three sections: "Hall of Stargazers", "Hall of the Sky", and "Cosmic Hall".
The Hall of Stargazers focuses on astronomical tools and the history of astronomical research, including exhibits on telescopes, radio telescopy, and space telescopes. Interactive elements include a child-friendly telescope workshop and a "Camera Obscura", which displays ancient depictions of the sky over the centuries.
The Hall of the Sky features major projectors and scale models that depict the planets, asteroids, and moons like Tarsica. The main centerpiece is a large solar telescope projecting images of Atos. Other exhibits include a Hertsprung-Russel Diagram, a Periodic Table of the Elements, and multiple alcoves focusing on topics like night and day, the orbits of the planets, the movement of Atos and stars, the seasons of Micras, tides, and eclipses. It also features a small Foucault pendulum to demonstrate the rotation of Micras; and a statue of Hector Perola, after whom the observatory is named.
The Cosmic Hall is a 50 long hallway connecting the Hall of Stargazers and Hall of the Sky, featuring full-HD laser projections and surround sound to depict the history of the Universe, from the Big Bang to present day. It also features exhibits with geological samples, recovered from Tarsica, Eos, Pyros, Indigo-Momiji, and Fenrir.
Astronomy Monument
In front of the Observatory stands a small monument erected in 1730 AN in honor of the exploits of the Observatory and the Aeronautics and Space Administration. It features two distinct astronomical tools - a refraction telescope and an armillary sphere - before a statue of astronomer Carlos Seiza.
Visitors
Perola Observatory has been free of charge since 1700 AN under the express wishes of Hector Perola. Visiting hours are between 08:00 and 22:00 during weekdays, and slightly later to 00:00 during weekends. Planetarium shows at the observatory are offered eight times a day on weekdays and ten times a day on weekends. As long as the weather permits, the observatory offers free public telescope viewing every night the observatory is open. This includes the historic 38 cm refracting telescope on the roof, as well as two portable public telescopes placed outside on the roof offering views of visible celestial objects during the night.
There is a dedicated parking area with 30 spaces south from the observatory. There is also a parking area with 150 spaces for visitors about 200 m down from the observatory. Both have nominal fees during weekdays.
The closest Metro stop is Ensayos de Libertad, about 2.8 km northwest from the observatory. There is no nearby Tram stop. Bus Line 16 serves the bus stop, located in front of the main entrance, between 09:00 and 20:00. There is also a dedicated taxi stand that operates 24/7.
