On Neraidorachi, one of the highest peaks of Mount Helmos, the Aristarchos telescope, the largest in Greece with a mirror diameter of 2.3 meters, was inaugurated in 2007. The telescope was named after Aristarchus of Samos, the ancient astronomer and mathematician who was the first to propose the heliocentric model for our solar system, removing Earth from its center and placing the Sun there, with the planets “wandering” around it. It took many years, about 2000, for this theory to be accepted as it is today.
The location was chosen, as with most observatories, due to the low light pollution.
The telescope is mainly used by scientists from the Greek community. Observations made with it include planetary nebulae and deep field observations of various objects. Additionally, various astronomy schools are held there for students to gain experience in observations.
Image: PNe Aristarchos: The molecular hydrogen and the structures it creates in planetary nebula 3587, a composite of images from various telescopes. Credits: Ramos-Larios G., Guerrero M. A., Toalá J. A., Akras S., Fang X., H 2 molecular gas in the old planetary nebula NGC 3587.
It may not have endless observations, mainly due to a lack of technical staff over the years, but every year a unique festival is held on Helmos.
Aiming to bring people closer to the mountains and nature of Greece, a tradition was established that each year marks the beginning of summer on Helmos, at the Kalavrita Ski Center.
Aiming to bring the public closer to the countryside of our country, the festival includes music and various activities for all ages, such as visits to local farms and wineries, chess, theater, hiking, archery, games, and this year’s musical program featured artists such as Alkinoos Ioannidis, Thanassis Papakonstantinou, and Taf Lathos, among others.
Would you spend a few days next to a large observatory at such a festival?
Sources:
https://festival.kalavritaski.gr/schetika/