The “Summer Observational Expedition 2026” with students from the Astronomy Club of the Smolyan Planetarium was an outstanding success, taking place from 26 to 29 August on the grounds of the National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen.
Participants Aleksandra Norshayan, Bozhidar Bilyukov, and Stefan Kehayov, under the guidance of Chief Assistant Prof. Dr. Milen Minev and Tsvetelina Gencheva, observed and photographed interesting astronomical phenomena and objects.
The highlight of the expedition was the partial lunar eclipse, which they successfully photographed from the terrace of the two-metre telescope at the Observatory.
The students observed asteroids and galaxies using the professional 50/70 cm Schmidt telescope at NAO Rozhen and, during the expedition, developed a detailed manual for operating it. Through the Planetarium’s LUNT LS60MT solar telescope, they captured images of the solar chromosphere, sunspots, and prominences. During their stay, they also learned more about the large-scale LOFAR-BG project and visited the radio observatory under construction.
We extend our thanks to our colleagues from the Institute of Astronomy with National Astronomical Observatory, BAS for their support and professionalism!
