Announcements
Naming Ceremony of the New “200+” Telescope at the Skinakas Observatory
The state-of-the-art telescope recently acquired by the internationally recognized Skinakas Observatory was officially named “200+” during a special ceremony held on Wednesday, July 23, co-organized by the University of Crete and the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH).
The event was held in the presence of Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, President of the “Greece 2021” Committee, who was the Guest of Honor.
The new telescope was made possible through a €410,000 grant from the “Greece 2021” Committee and is expected to open new horizons for research, education, and innovation in Crete and across Greece.
Strategic Importance and National Vision
Welcoming the guests, Prof. Vassilis Charmandaris, President of FORTH, highlighted the unique importance of the Skinakas peak and the Observatory—for the State, for the international astrophysics community, and for local society. These distinctive characteristics, he noted, were decisive factors that led the Committee to support this major investment.
Prof. Georgios M. Kontakis, Rector of the University of Crete, underlined that the naming of the new telescope symbolizes national support for research and innovation. He expressed the University’s deep gratitude to Mrs. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki for her decisive and heartfelt contribution to the realization of a project of exceptional importance for Greece’s scientific community.
A Leap Toward the Future
In her address, Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki stated:
“I could not imagine a better leap towards the future than the opportunities this new telescope offers to Crete. That is why the ‘Greece 2021’ Committee supported its acquisition. The Skinakas Observatory is living proof of the remarkable results that can arise from collaboration between institutions and society.”
The Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Dimitrios Papastergiou, emphasized that the “200+” telescope represents an investment in knowledge and innovation, made possible through the support of the “Greece 2021” Committee and its President, in close cooperation with FORTH, the University of Crete, local authorities, and the local community.
He also highlighted the implementation of the GreekObs2OGS programme, with a budget of €8 million, carried out by the Ministry through the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts and the Hellenic Space Center. The programme upgrades the observatories of Skinakas, Helmos, and Holomontas into Optical Ground Stations, enabling secure laser-based communications with low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Regional and Local Impact
The Regional Governor of Crete, Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, noted that equipping the Observatory with a cutting-edge telescope significantly strengthens Crete’s innovation ecosystem, reinforcing a regional research and development mechanism that contributes substantially to the local economy and society. He also expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki for her long-standing, multi-level support of Crete.
The Mayor of Anogeia, Mr. Sokratis Kefalogiannis, recalled that the Municipality foresightedly supported the vision of establishing the Observatory by donating the land for its establishment. He warmly thanked Mrs. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki for supporting the acquisition of the new telescope and for enabling the creation of the new “School of the Stars” at Skinakas.
A Vision Realized
Prof. Vasso Pavlidou, Director of the Skinakas Observatory and faculty member at the University of Crete, emphasized that the new telescope fulfills a vision that began decades ago, when Prof. Ioannis Papamastorakis (now Professor Emeritus) selected—with remarkable foresight—the peak of Psiloritis, offering some of the best astronomical observing conditions in continental Europe.
This vision, she noted, was realized through the timeless insight of the mayors of Anogeia, the dedication of the scientific community, and the enduring support of local society. Today, Skinakas Observatory stands as the most productive astronomical research infrastructure in Greece.
“The ‘200+’, thanks to the contribution of the ‘Greece 2021’ Committee, doubles the Observatory’s capabilities, opening new horizons in education and service to society. This new chapter bears the signature of a great visionary, Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, who believed—together with the Committee—in a Greece that can lead. We thank you for your support, your presence, and your steadfast belief that Greece can excel when it invests in its people, knowledge, and light.”
Distinguished Attendance
The ceremony was honored by the presence of His Eminence Eugenios, Archbishop of Crete, His Eminence Prodromos, Metropolitan of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, Mr. Konstantinos Karantzalos, Secretary General of Telecommunications and Posts, Vice Governors Michail Vamvoukas and Georgios Matalliotakis, Mr. Georgios Marinakis, President of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Crete, Mr. Marton Simitsek, Executive General Coordinator of the “Greece 2021” Committee, as well as representatives of state authorities, the University of Crete, and FORTH.
About the Skinakas Observatory
Located on the summit of Mount Ida (Psiloritis), the Skinakas Observatory is a joint research infrastructure of the University of Crete and FORTH, two institutions with internationally distinguished academic and research activity. The Observatory was established following the donation of 15 hectares by the Municipality of Anogeia and was inaugurated in 1986.
Thirty-nine years later, Skinakas stands as a testament to the vision of its founders, the value of strategic collaborations, and the enduring support of local society, the Region of Crete, and the State. With total investments of €10.5 million, the Skinakas Observatory is today recognized as the leading educational and research observatory in Greece.
