‘Spaceship’ observatory allows Cyprus stargazers a peek at the final frontier

A new space observatory in Cyprus looks like it just uncloaked itself on the set of a sci-fi movie and is ready for takeoff.

Perched high on the Troodos mountains in the centre of the island and with an unobstructed view of the skies, the 1.77 million euro ($1.90 million) publicly funded Troodos Observatory was inaugurated in May. Purveyors hope the project will encourage visitors to areas increasingly affected by urbanisation and broaden a depth of celestial knowledge.

Designed by sci-fi enthusiasts, architects and siblings Elena, Nicodemos and Cassandra Tsolakis, the similarity to a spaceship wasn't intentional but the nature of the project instinctively and perceptively lends to that impression, says Elena Tsolakis.

Architects Cassandra, Elena and Nicodemos Tsolakis pose for a picture at Troodos astronomical observatory in Agridia village, Cyprus June 13, 2024....