The first National Observatory and Planetarium in Kosovo was opened today in Rasinca i Shtime, through a solemn ceremony. The opening of this scientific center, the construction of which cost over 300 thousand euros, is considered to be among the most special and historical events for our country.

Observing the sun with a telescope, practical workshops with a telescope led by world-renowned astronauts, scientific shows in the planetarium, viewing the sky at night in front of the telescope of the Observatory and the Planetarium, are just some of the activities that the citizens of Kosovo will be able to do with the inauguration of this center.

The Mayor of the Municipality of Shtime, Qemajl Aliu said that the inauguration of this project marks the most special and historic day for this municipality and our country. He said that the opening of the Observatory and Planetarium today will have a profound effect on the future of children.

Aliu said that with the conditions offered by this center, young people will have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe, awakening their curiosity.

"Today is a special and historic day not only for our municipality but also for the entire state of Kosovo and beyond... This unique project from now on will put our municipality on the map of countries where attention is paid to scientific and astronomical research, which it will have a profound impact on the future of our children...With this Observatory and Planetarium we are opening new doors for the development of science in our country. Our children and youth will have the opportunity to learn and experience the wonders of the universe up close, encouraging their love and curiosity for science. Also, we will have the opportunity to welcome astronomers and researchers from all over the world, making our municipality an important center of scientific research", he said. Aliu.

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Arbërie Nagavci, while expressing her happiness for the inauguration of the Observatory and Planetarium, said that this center is not only providing the necessary conditions for research by our scientists, but according to her, it is an extraordinary stimulation for the young people.

"I am happy to be at the inauguration of the Observatory and Planetarium, which is also the grandeur and beauty of the universe, which awakens the collective interest on a large scale. This is not only providing the necessary conditions for research by our scientists, but at the same time it is a tremendous stimulation for young men and women who are fascinated by space and the cosmos and want to know more about it. Each new opportunity to expand our horizons made us reflect more deeply on the extraordinary contribution of science to the promotion of sustainable development, the discovery of the understanding of space phenomena serves us all of this blue planet because they made us aware of the importance of protecting the environment in times of environmental challenges", said Nagavci.

Meanwhile, the director of Celestron and the observatory's main donor, Corey Lee, emphasized through a video that the Observatory and Planetarium is not just a building, but is the result of an extraordinary journey filled with passion and perseverance.

Lee said they are excited to see how this telescope inspires curiosity and discovery for future generations.

"Today is a special day as we celebrate the opening of the National Observatory and Planetarium of Kosovo. It is not just a building, but the result of an extraordinary journey filled with passion and perseverance. In 2018 I met Pranvera, a young woman from the Republic of Kosovo, who had big dreams to bring the wonders of space to her community. It started by organizing three stargazing events using simple telescopes in public places. Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo, who are rapidly sparking an interest in astronomy among thousands who have never experienced it before... We are happy to offer our best ... single-dome observatory system. We are excited to see how this telescope inspires curiosity and discovery for generations to come," Lee said.

Donor of the largest Solar Telescope in Eastern Europe, who brought it to Kosovo, Stephen Ë. Ramsden said that his organization has sent telescopes to Kosovo since 2015, when it contacted the founder of the Astronomy Organization (AOK), Pranvera.

As he expressed his pride in this event, he said that he supports people who work hard.

"We have sent telescopes to Pranvera (the founder of Astronomy Outreach Kosova). In fact, most of the telescopes inside used to be in my garage and came from my house. And we've sponsored it since 2015. I presented it with Celestron, with Kevin, Cory and Robert Reaves and SkyËatcher USA. These people have trusted me when I brought her to them because she does the hard work. She doesn't just have words. My organization is private. I run it with some friends and we support people all over the world who work hard and do what they say they're going to do... We're very, very proud to be here for the second time, and I know it's a lot hot outside, but please come and feel free to talk to me about anything about it. We're super, super proud of it…People here love the US more than they do in the US,” Ramsden said.

The construction of this center started about two years ago, when a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Minister of Education Nagavci and the mayor Aliu, for the realization of the project 'Construction of the first Observatory and Planetarium in Kosovo' as co-financing between MASHTI and the Municipality of Shtime". The Observatory and the Planetarium will be at the service of the development of educational and extra-curricular activities of students and young people from the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo.