EUROPEAN RESEARCHERS’ NIGHT 2026 · 25 SEPTEMBER 2026
Padua
INSTITUTION
Italian National Institute for Astrophysics
VENUE
La Specola Museum
TIME
17–23
ACTIVITIES
An open exploration environment
There is no predefined path: visitors can start anywhere and move through the space according to their interests and curiosity. Every activity contributes to one shared investigation.
Activity programme
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ERNEST Entrance
Start your European Researchers’ Night adventure here! Collect your ERNEST passport, discover the programme and get ready to explore research. The Entrance area is the starting point: find the information you need to enjoy the event, gather clues, meet researchers and take an active part in the experience.
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A cavallo di un fotone
Follow the journey of photons — particles of light — from deep inside the Sun, through the planets and other celestial bodies of the Solar System, to astronomers’ telescopes on Earth. Astronomers observe these objects to study them in detail, understand how they work and create beautiful images. An escape room combining space exploration with computational thinking through robotics challenges and unplugged coding.
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2059 asteroid alert
A science escape room inspired by real planetary defence missions. The activity turns the scientific method into a shared adventure, showing that protecting our planet is not science fiction but the result of ingenuity, logic and international cooperation.
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A tu per tu con l’Universo, tra storia e ricerca scientifica
INAF’s La Specola in Padua hosts a journey through astronomy’s past and present. The museum opens the Sala dell’Iscrizione to reveal the fascinating history of the Dembowski telescope. Throughout the evening, the inner courtyard hosts “In diretta con l’Astronomia”: conversations with astronomers from INAF and the University of Padua’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, with live connections to the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory. Visitors can also explore the laboratories where future instruments are designed and built to reveal the Universe’s secrets.
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Favole astronomiche
In this workshop for young children, astronomical stories, spectacular videos and more take little explorers on a journey through planets, stars and distant galaxies.
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ERNEST EU Explorer
Explore European research and discover how the European Union supports science, innovation and international collaboration. Learn about opportunities for researchers and citizens and the role of science in addressing the major challenges of our time.
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ERNEST EU Debriefing
Conclude your European Researchers’ Night journey by reflecting on your experiences during the event. Share what you discovered in the Debriefing area.