| National Observatory and Planetarium of Kosovo | |
| Native Name: | Observatori dhe Planetariumi Kombëtar i Kosovës |
| Native Name Lang: | sq |
| Location: | Shtime, District of Ferizaj, Kosovo |
| Type: | Observatory and planetarium |
The National Observatory and Planetarium of Kosovo is the first observatory and planetarium in Kosovo.[1]
The new facility located in the town of Shtime, consists of a 50-seat planetarium under a 9-meter-wide dome, next to a 6-meter-wide dome that will serve as the observatory, housing a 14-inch-wide telescope donated by Celestron. The largest solar telescope in eastern Europe, also donated, is installed on the observatory's terrace.
This Science Center's idea was born with the formation of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo. Among the big names of this non-governmental organization is Pranvera Hyseni, PhD Candidate in Planetary Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz, USA. Pranvera is also the Founder of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo (AOK) and former CEO.
Another name is Bujar Mehmeti, PhD Candidate in Medical Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. Bujar is a Member of the Executive Board of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo and formerly held the position of International Relations Manager and Social Media Manager of AOK.
The story of the National Observatory and Planetarium of the Republic of Kosovo embraces High School Professor Milaim Rushiti who currently serves as CEO of AOK. Milaim is one of the Founders of AOK and he gave his land to the state to be able to build this Science Center.