As the construction was started in 2014, the Nha Trang astronomical observatory is one of the two observatory under the Vietnam National Satellite Centre project. The other one was under construction inside the Vietnam Space Museum in Hanoi’s Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, and is expected to be in operation in 2018.
The telescope of the Nha Trang astronomical observatory is a reflective optical telescope made by the Marcon Company.
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The telescope of the Nha Trang astronomical observatory is a reflective optical telescope made by the Marcon Company, an Italian company renowned for astronomical equipment. It is equipped with a camera and a spectrum analyzer with high resolution in a wide wave range.
According to the Vietnam National Space Center, the main function of the Nha Trang Observatory is to conduct basic research on optical astrophysics, popularize cosmic science among the public, provide support for training, teaching, and improving human resources in astrophysics, and collaborate with similar organizations in Vietnam and abroad.
The planetarium is designed like a movie theatre with a dome screen. Images as well as the footage are screened on the dome by a system of six high-resolution projectors that bring true 3D effects. It provides knowledge about astronomy, explaining a number of astronomical phenomena, such as the seasons of the year; the change of the position of celestial bodies in the sky, and familiar phenomena such as eclipses through visual effects, helping people satisfy their curiosity, especially children, about space and the universe.
Studies may also be carried out with the telescope, such as the observation of variable stars from which atmospheric studies are performed, measuring the spectral lines of stars to collect information about the type of star, its speed of rotation, and the magnetic field on its surface, measuring the speed of rotation of certain planets, studying the morphology of galaxies, and searching for near-Earth objects and supernovae, etc.
Nha Trang authorities have decided to add the observatory to city tours as a new destination for tourists to explore when visiting the city.
