Historical Archives of Astrophysical Observatory of Catania

Information and Schedules

Contacts

Address: via S. Sofia 78, 95123 - Catania

Istituito: INAF-Catania Astrophysical Observatory

Head

Daniela Domina
e-mail: daniela.domina@inaf.it

Phone +39 095 7332 268

Library Staff

Luigia Santagati
e-mail: luigia.santagati@inaf.it

tel. +39 095 7332 268

Opening Hours

The Historical Archives are open for consultation by appointment from Monday to Friday, from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Access and use of the Archives 

Research in the Historical Archives of Public Institutions is available to the public and free of charge.

Access to the reading room is allowed for individual research and study, as well as for administrative purposes. Entry is permitted to both Italian and foreign adults, as well as to minors accompanied by an adult. Individuals that have been barred from reading rooms under Article 91 of Royal Decree No. 1163/1911 are not admitted. 

Consultation guidelines

The consultation of archival materials is regulated as follows:

• Avoid consulting more than a unit at a time to prevent mixing of documents from different archival units;
• researchers are required to comply with theEthical rules regarding the processing of personal data for archiving purposes in the public interest or for historical research;;
• avoid resting note sheets on documents. Notes must be taken using pencils only;
• no eating or drinking is allowed inside the reading room during consultation.

Reproduction of archival material:

• Photocopying is not allowed for bound documents, like registers or volumes, documents containing drawings and those in poor condition;
• either researchers or trusted office professionals can carry out the photographic reproduction of the material;
• In any case, no reproduction can be carried out without prior authorization from the staff of the Historical Archive.

The rearrangement of the Historical Archive of the Astrophysical Observatory of Catania revealed an inventory structure consisting of six series:

• Administrative and Accounting Records (1887–1954);
• Photographic Archive (1885–1955);
• Correspondence (1870–1967);
• Astronomers' Collections (1891–1954);
• Celestial Photography (1891-1941);
• Astronomical Observations (1865-1965).

Consult the Inventory: