The first observatory of Vietnam open in September.
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The general director of Vietnam National Space Centre Pham Anh Tuan said the main function of Nha Trang Observatory is to conduct basic research on optical astrophysics; popularise cosmic science among the public; provide support for training, teaching and improving human resources in astrophysics; and collaborate with similar organisations in Viet Nam and abroad.
The Nha Trang City authority will integrate the observatory into city tours for tourists. Visitors can also watch films of planets and constellations, as well as the history of Earth.
Vietnam’s second observatory is under construction in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park in Hanoi and is expected to become operational next year. The building will provide local residents with a better look at such phenomena as meteor showers, lunar and solar eclipses.
According to the academic, equipment in both observatories has been imported from Italy, while their construction cost is estimated at VND120 billion ($5.2 million).
In 2021, Vietnam hopes to manage the microsatellite technology for Earth observations and to send experts to the International Space Station in 2025 as part of the Research Strategy until 2020 that Vietnam is carrying out.
