ATOS (Antique Telescope Observation site) is the next step in the evolution of Anamorfose and Anamorfose Curiosa.
Anamorfose was founded in 1996 as a Photo Gallery in Belgium. Anamorfose was selling vintage art photography and books worldwide as an e-commerce. After years, the focus shifted from art photography to scientific photography and more specifically astronomical photography. With the purchase of astronomical photos came also the trade in historical and antique telescopes.
This culminated in the rewarding trade in antique observatory telescopes.
The next step in this evolution is ATOS.
The installation of these large telescopes in observatories for the public and the potential buyers to use and test, will give a boost to the antique telescope trade.
The project
Antique and classic telescopes are part of our scientific legacy. Sometimes forgotten or considered no longer suitable for scientific use.
Not matter wath they say, even antique equipment can produce good science – with the right scientists.
The concept of ATOS is straight forward:
"creating an observation site for antique telescopes in a dark European region with luxury overnight accommodations."
Location: The Provence.
The location of the observation site is one of the most important and most challenging elements of the project. In the light polluted Europe it isn't obvious to find a dark region with enough clear nights to observe. Secondly the location must be attractive for the visitors.
After some search and analyses of several regions we decided that the Provence in France is the best suited place to realize ATOS.
Dark places, approximately 170 dark nights a year with excellent observation opportunities (Source: Observatoire de Haute Provence), nice climate, good attainability, rich cultural offer and very nice people.
The domain must offer possibilities for the observation site and overnight accommodations (Chambre-d'Hôtes and Gîtes). If possible a historic site with an authentic character.
I've already visited the Provence twice in search of such location and visited several suitable domains. But the search hasn't finished yet. Still looking for the ideal spot.
The Observatories
The starting infrastructure will be the large observatory telescopes from the Zdanice Observatory and the other classic telescopes we have in our inventory. In total we have plans for 5 observatories. Specialised observatories for solar observation and astrophotography. Observatories for visual observation.
Later the observation site will be open for other antique telescope collectors who want to park their telescopes under a dark sky.
You can always contact me if you should be interested to become part of this adventure.
Target groups
Besides amateur astronomers and collectors of antique telescopes, ATOS will be open for the general public who loves a quality stay in the Provence and discover the dark nights with classic telescopes.
The right communication will be the key to success.
Investors
For this ambitious and unique project there is a substantial budget needed. Most of all to acquire the right location in the Provence.
We already have the basic astronomical infrastructure: telescopes, collection of vintage astrophotos and a large astronomical library.
I have a lot of experience in tourism marketing, the success factor for the project.
We are looking for fellow investors who love observing with classic telescopes in an authentic location in the Provence.
The return on investment can be negotiated. We have several proposals.
Don't hesitate to contact me for more information.
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