Sotto il Cielo delle Dolomiti — a night at the Col Druscié Observatory
At 1,800 metres above Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Helmut Ullrich Astronomical Observatory at Col Druscié opens its doors after dark. The altitude and the distance from the valley lights do the rest: up here the sky is the one that no longer exists down on the plain.
What to expect. A guided evening devoted to deep-sky observation. Through the telescope you follow the Moon, the planets, double stars, clusters and nebulae, in the company of the volunteers of the Associazione Astronomica Cortina, who move between the technical side and the storytelling: how sailors found their way, why the constellations carry those names, what we are really looking at when we look this far. It works well with adults and remarkably well with children.
Where. Col Druscié, above Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the Tofane area.
When. Saturday 12 September 2026, starting at 8.30 pm. The series includes a second evening on Saturday 26 September, again at 8.30 pm.
Practical information. You are going up the mountain at night: warm clothing is needed even in September, along with closed shoes. A torch is useful. Observation depends on the state of the sky, and if it clouds over the evening may be cancelled or reshaped.
Booking. Recommended: places are limited.
Source and updated information: Associazione Astronomica Cortina.