The Institute of Astrophysics of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, with the support of the Municipality of Heraklion, organized two stargazing nights dedicated to the impressive parade of planets that was adorning the night sky during that period.

The events took place on March 8 and 9, 2025, at 19:00 - 21:00, Heraklion Walls, Jesus Bastion.

During the event, the public had the opportunity to observe with telescopes, including the not-so-frequent "parade" of the majority of the planets of our solar system, such as glowing Jupiter, bright Venus, also known as the “Evening Star”, the ever-impressive Moon and Mars as it approaches Earth, which happens every two years or so!

The event was supported by the Crete Astronomy Friends Club (Σ.Φ.Α.Κ.), the Crete Astrophysics Group of the University of Crete, and the following schools: "PAGKRITION" Private School, the Model General High School of Heraklion and the School of European Education Heraklion. These institutions participated in the event with their own telescopes.

This event was open to people of all ages and it was a good opportunity for the public to get acquainted with various astronomical objects in the near space environment, such as the planets and the Moon, but also more distant suns - weather permitting.

The event was supported by the Hellenic Rescue Team of Heraklion.

Photo: Thanasis Chatzis
"View of the night sky from the Shepherd's Land in Anogia"

Organized by
Institute of Astrophysics - Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH)