As Cuban Science Day was celebrated on Saturday, the country inaugurated its first observatory at the Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy.

The enclosure has a professional telescope that is 20 centimeters in diameter with a wide field. The device is nearly robotic and can be controlled remotely by computer.

The development of observational astronomy and experimental astrophysics will be achieved by means of computerized systems that capture high quality images.

This telescope, as pointed out by local media, will make it possible to make a wide variety of observations of cosmic bodies, the surveillance of outer space and the tracking of the so-called space debris.

The device has a Satellite Positioning System Receiver to monitor and analyze geophysical parameters, and an associated meteorological station, experts said.

Cuba will now be able to create its own database of astronomical observations, which will also be used to exchange information with peer institutions and to train experts.

The facility is crowned by an automated white dome and its construction and assembly is the result of a collaboration agreement with the Institute of Applied Astronomy and the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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