The Perseid Meteor Shower Is Coming. Marshal Visits the Astro Base in Gostycyn
Shooting stars, night-time observations and meetings with astronomy enthusiasts – from the end of July until the end of August, residents of the region and tourists visiting Kujawy and Pomorze will be able to take part free of charge in a series of events entitled “Observing the Perseids at Astro Bases”. Open meetings dedicated to one of the most spectacular phenomena of the summer sky – the Perseid meteor shower – will be held at thirteen Copernicus Astro Bases and at Bierzgłowski Castle.
“Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region is the only region not only in Poland but also in Europe where, within such a small area as the territory of one voivodeship, a network of fourteen fully equipped astronomical observatories operates. I am delighted that many young people are among the sky enthusiasts who, under the guidance of passionate teachers, observe distant star systems and continue the astronomical traditions of our region,” emphasises Marshal Piotr Całbecki.
Each Astro Base has prepared its own individual programme of events, allowing participants in different parts of the region to enjoy a wide range of attractions. These include night sky observations through telescopes, astronomy shows, meetings with enthusiasts and Astro Base coordinators, educational workshops for children and adults, popular science lectures and many other activities introducing participants to the world of astronomy.
For years, the regional self-government has consistently supported the development of the Copernicus Astro Base network by funding both the modernisation and equipment of the facilities as well as educational activities. Thanks to regional support, the observatories receive modern observation equipment, teacher training is organised, and astronomy picnics and science popularisation activities are held. Currently, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Centre for Education and Innovation also funds the work of Astro Base coordinators, who conduct classes for primary and secondary school students and all those interested in astronomy.
Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Piotr Całbecki recently visited the Copernicus Astro Base in Gostycyn – one of the facilities successfully promoting astronomy and science among local residents. During the visit, the results of an educational project carried out with funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan were presented. The project included astrophotography classes, workshops for young explorers and intergenerational meetings under the stars. The Astro Base was also equipped with modern observation and educational equipment, including three telescopes, photographic and optical accessories, experiment kits, rocket models, a mobile interactive board and a projector screen.
The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Astro Base network was established and has been operating for fifteen years thanks to the Marshal’s project financed by European Union funds under the Regional Operational Programme of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region for 2007-2013.
The observatories were established in:
- Brodnica
- Dobrzyń nad Wisłą
- Gniewkowo (Inowrocław County)
- Golub-Dobrzyń
- Gostycyn (Tuchola County)
- Inowrocław
- Jabłonowo Pomorskie
- Kruszwica (Inowrocław County)
- Radziejów
- Rypin
- Świecie
- Unisław (Chełmno County)
- Zławieś Wielka (Toruń County)
- Żnin
Among the first visitors to the newly established Astro Bases were David Prowse (the actor known for his role as Lord Vader in the Star Wars series) and Mirosław Hermaszewski (pilot and the first Polish cosmonaut). In September 2010, Prowse visited Bydgoszcz for the nationwide Star Wars fan convention StarForce.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office
17 July 2026
