To get to the stars, you first have to climb up and up high - to the seventh floor. The Astronomical Tower of the University of Latvia started serving as an astronomical observatory 150 years ago, but for the 38th year, from October to March, it welcomes those who want to look up at the sky with the help of a telescope.
Astronomer Vitalijs Kuzmovs laughs that the first test of visitors' nerves is the mechanism itself: "We use it to 'turn' and move the roof, and for some reason people often worry that the roof is moving."
This tradition of opening the tower to the public was started by astronomer Ilgonis Vilks.
"When Halley's Comet was there, the queue of people was up to the street!" said Kuzmovs.
The Moon and Saturn are currently visible, Mars will come out in December, and in January there will be a parade of planets.
At the same time, the tower is a living record of history. A group of students noted that on August 8, 1914, a total solar eclipse was observed here. "And you know, the next one will be in 2142!" adds the astronomer.
The tower is open from 7 to 9 pm, please register in advance on the University of Latvia website.
