Public Astronomy Night Sky Observation

RAK – Research Astronomical Club of GSŠRM, together with local Kamnik astronomers, invites you once again this summer to observe the night sky under the auspices of the Kamfest festival.

Since the Sun will still be above the horizon at the beginning, early visitors will have the opportunity to observe sunspots before sunset. These still appear on the Sun’s surface, although they’ve become slightly less numerous compared to previous months. There’s also a good chance we’ll witness a solar flare, as such eruptions have been fairly frequent recently.

After sunset, we’ll spend some time looking up and waiting for the sky to darken enough to spot the first stars, and perhaps even a bright meteor or bolide. A higher number of shooting stars wouldn’t be surprising, since this night marks the peak of the famous Perseid meteor shower – a celestial display also known as the Tears of St. Lawrence. It’s hard to predict how many we’ll see or exactly when, but a blanket, mat, or a simple reclining chair will definitely help make meteor watching more comfortable.

Of course, telescopes will also be set up, allowing us to peer through eyepieces and observe nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies scattered across the summer night sky. The more persistent (or simply later) visitors will, around 10 or 10:30 p.m., also witness the Moon rising. Being just a few days past full moon, it will brightly illuminate the sky. Still, Saturn will be visible nearby, rising almost simultaneously with our Moon. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions due to the Moon’s brightness, Saturn’s thin rings are sure to impress.

This public skywatching event will take place, weather permitting, on the meadow by the museum granaries near Zaprice Castle, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to the following evening, August 13.

As parking near the site is limited, we kindly ask visitors to come on foot. Parking is available at Tomo Brejc Primary School, the sports hall, and other nearby locations.

Everyone is welcome!