Ambassador Beyer visits newly opened Astrophotography Center

Ambassador Beyer with Dr. Jitka and Dr. Václav Ourednik in front of their newly built Astrophotography Center in Lü (Photo M. Crugnola)

Lü in the spotlight of dark skies

Lü, October 22, 2009: "Due to the privileged location on a sunny terrace at 1935 m (6300 ft), which faces south into the beautiful valley of Muestair, the Astrophotograhpy Center in Lü appeals to astronomers and alpinists alike," explained Dr. Ourednik to Ambassador Beyer. The center's prime geographical location allow researchers to profit from high-altitude transparency of the sky in this area and over 100 clear nights.

Being one of Switzerland's most impressive rural landscapes, Val Muestair will soon become part of a new high-alpine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the European Alps. The Astrophotography Center collaborates with this unique biosphere project in order to play an important role in the valley's sustainable tourism. As Dr. Ourednik outlines, the Astrophotography Center "makes the reserve's 'third dimension' accessible to the public in a practical way by allowing the guests to image the pristine skies with our high-end equipment."

More on the Astrophotography Center in Lü: www.alpineastrovillage.com