Observatory Naef Épendes

Geschichte

Observatory Robert A. Naef (Observatoire Robert-A. Naef) is an astronomical observatory located at Épendes, Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland at 7.13938 degrees east of Greenwich and 46.7326 degrees north latitude. Its parallax constants are : ρ sin φ' = 0.68632 (Earth radii from the rotation axis) and ρ cos φ' = +0.72501 (Earth radii from the equatorial plane).The observatory was named in memory of Robert A. Naef (1907–1975). The minor planet 1906 Naef was named in his honour.Robert A. Naef FoundationThe Robert A. Naef Foundation was created on 15 April 1977 on the initiative of his widow, Mrs. Daisy Naef-Ryter. According to its statutes, the Foundation has the goal of honouring the memory of the late Robert A. Naef (22 July 1907 – 13 March 1975) by installing his Reinfelder & Hertel telescope in a newly created astronomical observatory. The observatory has the further goal of actively contributing to the exposure of young people to the art and science of astronomy. The Foundation was recognised as being of public interest by the Government of the Canton (State) of Fribourg on 16 May 1978. For 50 years Robert Adolf Naef, who worked at the Urania Observatory in Zurich, dedicated all his spare time and energy to popularising astronomy. His Opus Magnum was the creation of the astronomical annual directory "Der Sternenhimmel" in 1941.The observatoryThe astronomical observatory in Épendes is located a few kilometres outside the city of Fribourg in Switzerland, in the countryside, at 700 m above sea level. The observatory is owned by a non-profit organization, the Robert-A. Naef Foundation. The daily operations and maintenance are performed by the Association of Friends of the Épendes Observatory.