φ = 45° 16' 39", λ =13° 43' 34", h = 246,5 m.

"0nce a photograph of the Earth, taken from the outside, is available, a new idea as powerful as any in history will be let loose."

- Sir Fred Hoyle, 1948.

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About Istrian astronomy

Visnjan observatoriy during autumn.

Visnjan observatoriy during autumn

Visnjan observatoriy during Astrofest 2010.

The first modern observatory in Croatia was founded in Pula, on the hill Monte Zaro. It was founded by the Hydrographic Office in 1871., and was named Naval Observatory. Following the collapse of the Austro - Hungary monarhy, it's successful operation stops, and was looted and its instruments and a rich library.

Additional follow the default observatory in the bombardment of Pula at the end of World War II when the building suffered considerable damage.

In 1973. Pula was founded Amateur Astronomical Society of Istria, and observations were initially carried out with a building in Flanatic street. The dome of the former observatory on Monte Zara was rebuilt several years later, 1979. Former shine of observatory is not returned because material funds, but also because of light pollution. But society teaches young recruits and power, maybe some famous astronomers of the future.

Amid Višnjana therefore was made the dome designed for astronomy. Astronomical Society in Visnjanu was founded in the seventies, as a result of the work and interests of primary school teachers in Visnjan.

The first telescope, made entirely in Višnjanu started to use the 1977th, and the dome was completed three years later. Visnjan observatory functioned during the war, in 2002. was included in the network of 19 centers in the world designed for education. At the end of the century Visnjan gets a new telescope, and the results of the work becomes magical because Visnjan in one year has discovered more asteroides then some observatories in it's entire history.

Due to problems with light pollution quality of work was compromised therefore it is build a new observatory between Visnjan and Karojba, on a hill Tićan.

By mid-2003. Višnjan observatory has discovered a total of 1748 discoveries and because of that it's classified into one of the top ten observatories in the world. Among other things they found 4 asteroids that are named Višnjan, Porec, Opatija and Otonkučera. Today is a tradition of education in astronomy with small enthusiasts and every year school for children. Unavoidable behalf of our astronomy known as a Korado Korlević.

Except nominee, there are over 1,000 unnamed asteroid which was discovered Višnjan. Heaven lies still "Istrian" asteroids, because the observatory in Pula revealed Polan, Adria, Istria.