Turnov is preparing a reconstruction of the observatory together with the Germans

Turnov - Turnov is preparing, together with the Saxon town of Ottendorf-Okrilla, a reconstruction of the Turnov municipal observatory. The project cost is estimated at 15 million crowns, which both towns intend to jointly apply for from the European Objective 3 program Czech-Saxony. A grant application is currently being prepared, which the town aims to submit at the beginning of next year. The reconstruction is unlikely to start before 2013, said Turnov mayor Hana Maierová to ČTK.
     The reconstruction of the observatory has been in preparation by the town, according to Maierová, for several years. "It is one of our priorities," she added. The building is in poor condition, and the equipment is also aging, but according to her, it has long been challenging to find a partner to help secure the grant.
     "The goal of the project is to create an attractive place for meetings of children and youth from both partner towns and to support children's interest in technical and natural sciences," Maierová added. According to her, the joint contacts should also help promote and develop the teaching of the German language in Czech schools.
     The Turnov observatory is set to undergo a complete reconstruction, and the entire building is expected to be increased by an additional floor. This part of the project, including external adjustments and new connections, is estimated to cost 12.5 million crowns. Almost two million will be spent on new astronomical equipment. The observatory is expected to acquire, among other things, a new telescope for observing both the daytime and nighttime sky.
     In the building, there should be, among other things, an exhibition on astronomy. One part will be dedicated to space and its research, including space and rocket technologies. The second part will focus mainly on optical, electronic, and radiological systems. The third part of the exhibition will focus on the potential use of new space technologies and systems, such as newly built satellite systems or the development of space tourism.