Palermo Astronomical Observatory “Giuseppe S. Vaiana” - Laboratories

Palermo Astronomical Observatory “Giuseppe S. Vaiana” is one of the research centres of the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF). It works together with Palermo University through the Department of Physics and Chemistry.

OAPa’s main characteristic is its specific vocation in the field of space astrophysics. The network of activities also involves several frontier research fields both at the national and international level.

Located at the headquarters at 31 G.F. Ingrassia Street are:

• The XACT Laboratory

• The Life Laboratory

•  The Mechanics Workshop

•  The Electronics and Microtechnology Laboratory

• The High-Performance Computing Facility - SCAN 

The XACT Laboratory, which also includes a cryogenics laboratory for the development of X-ray detectors, conducts as its primary activity research and development and also services toward the scientific community in the field of instrumentation for astronomy in X-rays. It also operates in technology transfer to other fields. In this last area in particular, two collaborations with the University of Palermo are active in the renewable energy sector. The first for the development of concentrating photovoltaic modules (a heliostat and a cooling system for testing triple-junction photovoltaic cells have been built and are installed at the laboratories in Via Ingrassia), and the second for the realization of hydroelectric turbines for the recovery of hydraulic energy in aqueducts and canals.

The LIFE Laboratory conducts research in the area of astrobiology/astrochemistry.

The Mechanics Workshop and electronics and microtechnology laboratory mainly carry out activities to support research, and possibly services to the rest of the Observatory.

The High-Performance Computing Facility - SCAN (Computing System for Numerical Astrophysics) conducts research in the area of computational fluid dynamics in astrophysics. SCAN's computational systems are under the responsibility of the CED.

The optional guided tour will take place on the morning of June 19. For those who selected the participation option  in the enrollment form,  the organization of the visit will be made available  at no additional cost.

Rendezvous  at 10 a.m. in via G. F. Ingrassia n. 31.