The Vatican Observatory invites visitors on an extraordinary journey with the introduction of its virtual tour, offering an immersive exploration of its illustrious history. This virtual experience takes participants through the exhibition located at the Barberini Domes within the Papal Villas and unveils the remarkable historic telescopes housed in the same building and on the rooftop of the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo.

Immersing oneself in this captivating virtual tour allows visitors to discover the brilliant minds and ingenious instruments that have shaped the trajectory of this venerable scientific institution within the Vatican. The tour commences with the origins of the Vatican Observatory, tracing back to the visionary Pope Gregory XIII, renowned for his advocacy of calendar reform in 1582. The journey then unfolds, highlighting the pivotal role played by Pope Leo XIII, who founded the Vatican Observatory in 1891 under the guidance of Fr. Francesco Denza, a distinguished Barnabite, with the inclusion of a dome atop the Tower of Winds. Notably, the tour also pays homage to the contributions of Fr. Angelo Secchi, SJ, and the pontifical observatory at the Roman College.

Continuing the virtual exploration, visitors encounter a collection of ancient astronomical instruments that have played a significant part in advancing celestial understanding. The tour culminates in a room dedicated to the Vatican Observatory's presence at Castel Gandolfo, beautifully showcasing its enduring legacy in this picturesque location.

The final segment of the virtual tour offers a comprehensive overview of the Vatican Observatory's activities, spanning its presence in Tucson, Arizona, and showcasing the scientific research and endeavors undertaken by the Jesuits and diocesan priests. As the virtual journey ascends to the rooftop of the building, participants are introduced to the cherished historical telescopes, namely the renowned "Carte du Ciel" and Schmidt telescopes. Finally, visitors are virtually "teleported" to the rooftop of the Pontifical Palace in Castel Gandolfo, where they can marvel at the two magnificent domes housing the Double Astrograph and Visual telescope.

The realization of this remarkable project was made possible through the collaboration of "Dimensione3," a prominent company specializing in cutting-edge technology. By seamlessly integrating Matterport technology, a world-leading platform for the creation of digital twins, with Dimensione3's software, the virtual tour boasts customized interactions and features that elevate the digital experience and effectively disseminate the scientific content of the Vatican Observatory.

Every aspect of this project was meticulously planned to ensure an optimal visitor experience. From considering weather and lighting conditions during the surveys to identifying ideal observation points for digital exploration and designing the most engaging route, each detail was thoughtfully considered. The state-of-the-art equipment employed for the surveying process ensured the highest photographic quality while generating integral 3D models of the spaces. These models not only enable a realistic virtual visit but also serve as invaluable artifacts, contributing to the Vatican's digital archive and serving as a foundation for future projects.

The digital exploration of the Vatican Astronomical Observatory's two sites is further enriched with personalized features and interactive elements. Interactive virtual signage serves as a guide, offering in-depth historical and scientific insights, facilitating interactive links between the two locations, and providing cross-references to the Vatican Observatory website.

Embark on this extraordinary virtual tour and unravel the wonders of the Vatican Observatory's rich history and scientific contributions. The tour can be accessed directly from the homepage of the Vatican Observatory's institutional website, http://www.vaticanobservatory.va/. Prepare to be captivated by the celestial wonders that await you in this remarkable digital journey.

This article was originally published on ACI Stampa.