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Popularization programs from 2013 to 2023.

The Zagreb Observatory has actively promoted astronomy through a wide range of activities, including:

  • Welcoming school groups and citizens: The Observatory regularly hosts school groups and the general public for educational visits.
  • Public lectures: Held both at the Observatory and other locations, these lectures cover various topics in astronomy and related sciences.
  • Exhibitions: The Observatory organizes exhibitions to showcase astronomical phenomena and discoveries.
  • Media participation: Staff members frequently appear on radio and television programs to discuss astronomy and related topics.
  • Publications and media contributions: The Observatory provides articles and updates for print and digital media.
  • Public outreach via the Observatory’s website: Regular updates and educational content are shared online.
  • Special astronomical events: During notable celestial events, the Observatory organizes public sky observations and lectures in open spaces.

Traditional Public Lectures: “Popular Wednesdays”

The Observatory hosts regular public lectures on Wednesday evenings, known as “Popular Wednesdays.” These lectures are designed for a broad audience and often focus on current topics in cosmology, astrophysics, and space exploration. They are accompanied by multimedia presentations and, weather permitting, telescope observations of celestial objects. On average, two to three lectures are held monthly during the academic year, featuring invited speakers (scientists or experts). These events are highly successful, drawing large crowds and fostering lively discussions.

School Visits

School groups are welcomed by prior arrangement, with visits typically scheduled during office hours. However, exceptions are made for groups traveling from distant locations. Each school group receives a one-hour lecture, a tour of the Observatory, and, weather permitting, a telescope observation session. This tradition significantly contributes to the popularization of science among students and enriches the cultural offerings of Zagreb.

Special Needs and Inclusive Programs

The Observatory pays special attention to groups with specific needs, as well as those promoting human rights, gender equality, relations with national minorities and religious communities, and the development of civil society.

Statistics (2013–2023)

  • School groups: 447 groups, totaling approximately 20,000 students.
  • Special groups: 60 groups.
  • Media appearances: Observatory staff participated in 142 radio and television programs.
  • Exhibitions: Five exhibitions were organized during this period.

Public Lectures and Events

The Observatory has hosted numerous public lectures and events, both at its premises and other locations. Below is a summary of key activities:

Public Lectures at the Observatory

The Observatory has held hundreds of public lectures on topics ranging from the history of astronomy to the latest discoveries in astrophysics. Notable lectures include:

  • “The Milky Way” by Damir Lozovina (January 15, 2014).
  • “Research on the Sun and Stars at the Hvar Observatory” by Jaša Čalogović (January 22, 2014).
  • “The Creation of the Universe” by Dr. Mladen Martinis (March 26, 2014).
  • “Dark Matter and Dark Energy” by Dr. Davor Horvatić (May 13, 2015).
  • “Gravitational Waves” by Dr. Silvije Vdović (March 23, 2016).
  • “Life in the Universe” by Dr. Nenad Raos (May 25, 2016).
  • “The James Webb Space Telescope” by Ante Radonić (March 9, 2022).

Public Lectures at Other Locations

The Observatory has also organized lectures at schools, libraries, and during special public outreach programs, such as the Science Festival, “10 Days of Astronomy” in Daruvar, “Night Under the Stars” at Ruđer Bošković Institute, and “Days of Meteorites” in Križevci. Notable events include:

  • “Where Are We in the Universe?” at the Vladimir Nazor Library (April 23, 2014).
  • “Astronomy” at the Technical Museum during the Science Festival (April 7, 2014).
  • “Light and Space” at the Juraj Šižgorić Library in Šibenik (November 10, 2015).
  • “Solar Storms and Space Weather” at the B. Ogrizović Library (December 22, 2016).

Exhibitions

The Observatory has organized several exhibitions, including:

  • “Starry Sky” at the Sesvete Library (November 25, 2015 – January 10, 2016).
  • “Days with Copernicus” at the Polish Cultural Association “Mikolaj Kopernik” (February 18, 2017).
  • “Animals in Space” in collaboration with the Astronomical Society “Kumova Slama” from Daruvar (June 20 – October 2, 2017).
  • “IMPACTORS, IMPACTS, IMPACT CRATERS, AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES” by Tihomir Marjanac, Marina Čalogović, and Karlo Bermance (December 18, 2019 – October 2020).

Other Outreach Activities

  • Educational Workshops: The Observatory has conducted workshops for students and teachers, such as the “Summer School of Astronomy” and the “Little School of Astronomy” as part of the “Adriatic Islands Cultural Cruise” (July 26 – August 8, 2014).
  • Special Events: The Observatory has hosted notable guests, including American astronaut Marsha S. Ivins (June 24, 2014).
  • Awards and Recognition: Dr. Dragan Roša, the Observatory’s director, has received several awards for his contributions to astronomy and science popularization, including the Dr. Oton Kučera Award (2015) and the State Award for Technical Culture “Faust Vrančić” (2016).

Recent Highlights (2020–2023)

  • Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE): Observations and photography of the comet in July 2020.
  • Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction: Public observations of the rare celestial event in December 2020.
  • Asteroid Named After Dr. Dragan Roša: In 2022, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named asteroid (179411) Draganrosa in honor of Dr. Roša’s contributions to astronomy.
  • Public Observations of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF): Organized in February 2023.

Conclusion

The Zagreb Observatory continues to play a vital role in promoting astronomy and science education in Croatia. Through its diverse programs, it inspires curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of the universe among people of all ages.