File:INFN Percorso2.jpeg

2019-12-12T00:22:37Z

Flavia.calderone: Flavia.calderone uploaded a new version of File:INFN Percorso2.jpeg

Workshop2019:logistics

2019-12-12T00:20:28Z

2019-12-02T20:23:59Z

Flavia.calderone: /* Preliminary list of registered participants (to be updated) */

==== The registration is now closed ====
In case of any enquires please email Lukasz Wyrzykowski lw at astrouw.edu.pl

 Note: there is no registration fee thanks to the generous support of the OPTICON grant. 

=== Preliminary list of registered participants (to be updated) ===
# Przemysław Mikołajczyk (University of Wrocław, Poland)
# Mariusz Gromadzki (University of Warsaw, Poland)
# Fraser Lewis (Faulkes Telescope Project/National Schools Observatory, UK)
# Vytautas Cepas (University of Vilnius, Lithuania)
# Franz-Josef (Josch) Hambsch (ROAD Observatory Chile, Belgium)
#Cosimo Inserra (Cardiff University, UK)
# Iair Arcavi (Tel Aviv University, Israel)
# Goran Damljanovic (Belgrade Observatory, Serbia)
# Tolga Güver (Istanbul University, Turkey)
# Gerry Gilmore (University of Cambridge, UK)
# Susanne Hoffmann (Jena, Germany)
# Vira Godunova (University of Kiyv, Ukraine)
# Staszek Zola (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
# Pawel Zielinski (University of Warsaw, Poland)
# Gábor Marton (Konkoly Observatory, Hungary)
# Yana Markus (University of Kiyv, Ukraine)
# John Davies (Royal Observatory Edinburgh)
# Inna Izviekova (University of Kiyv, Ukraine)
# Nada Ihanec (University of Warsaw, Poland)
# Lorenzo Rimoldini (University of Geneva, Switzerland)
# Ilknur Gezer (University of Warsaw, Poland)
# Helen Jermak (Liverpool University, UK)
# Jun Yang (MIT, USA)
#Giuseppe Leto (INAF, Catania, Italy)
#Krzysztof Rybicki (University of Warsaw, Poland)
#Andrii Simon (University of Kiyv, Ukraine)
#Volodymyr Reshetnyk (University of Kiyv, Ukraine)
#Erika Pakstiene (University of Vilnius, Lithuania)
#Mitja Fridman (University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia)
# Oliwia Ziółkowska (University of Warsaw, Poland)
# Gudrun Pebody (University of Cambridge, UK)
# Katarzyna Kruszyńska (University of Warsaw, Poland)
# Kotryna Siskauskaite (University of Vilnius, Lithuania)
# Ricardo Zanmar Sanchez (INAF Catania, Italy)
# Łukasz Wyrzykowski (University of Warsaw, Poland)
#Flavia Calderone (INAF Catania, Italy)
#Algita Stankevičiūtė (University of Warsaw, Poland)
#Katja Bricman (University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia)
#Marco Lam (Liverpool Telescope, UK)
#Akihiko Fukui (University of Tokyo, Japan)
#Marcin Gawroński (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland)
#Alisa Shchurova (Astronomical Institute Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia)
#Nariman Ismailov (Astrophysical Observatory, National Academy of Sciences, Azerbaijan)
#Timo Prusti (ESA, NL)
#Justas Zdanavičius (University of Vilnius, Lithuania)
#Isabella Pagano (INAF Catania, Italy)
#Mateusz Bronikowski (University of Warsaw, Poland)
#Maria Isabel Carnerero Martin (INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, Italy)
#Massimo Villata (INAF, Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, Italy)
#Claudia M. Raiteri (INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, Italy)
#Agnieszka Gurgul (Warsaw University Astronomical Observatory, Poland)
#David Buckley (South African Astronomical Observatory)
#Sergio Messina (INAF Catania, Italy)

Workshop2019:logistics

2019-11-27T13:15:12Z

Flavia.calderone:

= Workshop Venue =
The '''10th OPTICON Gaia Science Alerts Workshop''' will be held in Catania (Sicily - Italy) at the INAF Astrophysical Observatory of Catania.

Workshop activities will take place in the “Aula Ovest” (West Hall), located on the ground floor of the Astrophysical Observatory.

[[File:OsservatorioOACT.jpg|800px]]

'''INAF - Astrophysical Observatory of Catania | INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania''' 
Via S.Sofia 78, 95123 
Catania, ITALY

LINKS: [https://goo.gl/maps/yRUF8s5J3NfExugs7 Position on Google Maps] | [http://www.oact.inaf.it/ INAF Astrophysical Observatory website]

= Travel Information =

[[File:main-palace-hotel-dintorni-catania-1.jpg|800px]]

Catania is an ancient port city on the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). The city, located at the foot of volcano Etna, is noted for its history, culture,
architecture and gastronomy and it is also a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO.

[[File:etna-5.jpg|433px]] [[File:taormina1.jpg|363px]]

LINKS: [https://goo.gl/maps/tEwTmDdobaXNGZNE9 Position on Google Maps] | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catania Catania on Wikipedia]

==How to reach Catania==

The best way to reach Catania is by plane.

=== By Airplane ===
Here there are information about the main airports of the area and the distance by car/bus from the city center.

*'''CATANIA FONTANAROSSA AIRPORT''' | +15min The Fontanarossa International Airport is the closest airport to Catania. Several airlines offer flights to many national and international destinations. From Fontanarossa Airport is it possible to reach the City Center by Taxi or by Public transport. LINKS: [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aeroporto+di+Catania-Fontanarossa/@37.4673046,15.0657746,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xec956aaf5d57793!8m2!3d37.4673046!4d15.0657746?shorturl Position on Google Maps] | [http://www.aeroporto.catania.it/ Airport Website]

*'''COMISO AIRPORT''' | +1h 40min Comiso Airport is a small airport located in Comiso (Ragusa), mainly connected by Ryanair flights. From Comiso Airport there is a bus (Autolinee Giamporcaro) every few hours to get to Catania Central Station. LINKS: [http://iltakkuino.altervista.org/inbus/autolineegiamporcaro/AeroportoCatania-AeroportoComiso-Vittoria.htm Bus timetable (Autolinee Giamporcaro)] | [https://goo.gl/maps/h72FV7Y9vqrJkvyX7 Position on Google Maps] | [http://www.aeroportodicomiso.eu/en/ Airport Website]

For further information on how to reach Catania '''by Train''', '''by Bus''' and '''by Ferry''', please see [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i7VWpCyg5e9vZBEX-JmkCIHbfpxhFtn1/view?usp=sharing here].

==How to reach Catania center from Fontanarossa Airport (and vice versa)==

Catania Fontanarossa International Airport is the closest Airport to the city center. You can reach the downtown by taxi or bus.

LINKS: [http://www.aeroporto.catania.it/?lang=en Airport Website] | [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aeroporto+di+Catania-Fontanarossa/@37.4673046,15.0657746,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xec956aaf5d57793!8m2!3d37.4673046!4d15.0657746?shorturl=1 Position of the Fontanarossa Airport on Google Maps] | [http://www.aeroporto.catania.it/files/image/Parcheggi/mappa-aeroporto_quadrata_1200x1200px.NEW.jpg Airport Parking Map]

*'''BY TAXI (recommended)''' We recommend you to call [http://www.radiotaxicatania.org/it/ Radio-taxi] (+39 095 330966). Call for a taxi (available h 24/24) when ready to leave the baggage claim area. The fare to the center is about €22, but you can ask for confirmation when you call. The airport to/from Observatory rate is about €26. Taxi picks you up in few minutes at the Airport on the Departure level (at the 1st floor): take the escalator or lift at your left after leaving the baggage claim area, then exit on the right and wait for your taxi.

*'''BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT (ALIBUS)''' The [http://www.amt.ct.it/?page_id=2610 AMT Alibus Bus Service] leave every 25 minutes from 4:40 am to midnight, from the Airport to the City Center. Bus ticket (€4) can be purchased: at the Airport; from authorized AMT retailers and AMT vending machines; on the bus; online with the UpMobile App. Remember to stamp the ticket upon getting on the bus. At the Fontanarossa Airport we suggest you use the bus stop located outside the Terminal A at the Arrival level (at ground floor, on your right after the exit), as reported on the [http://www.aeroporto.catania.it/files/image/Parcheggi/mappa-aeroporto_quadrata_1200x1200px.NEW.jpg Airport Parking Map]. Please refer to the Alibus route and stops map to choose the bus stop closest to your Hotel. LINKS: [http://www.amt.ct.it/blank.php?linea=ALIBUS&nome=Aeroporto,-,Centro&iframe=true&width=100%25&height=100%25 Alibus timetable – Price €4] | [http://www.amt.ct.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Alibus4n.png Alibus route and stops]

==How to reach the INAF Astrophysical Observatory of Catania from the city center==

INAF Astrophysical Observatory of Catania is close to downtown but up on a hill inside the “Policlinico Gaspare Rodolico” General Hospital area and near the “Cittadella” University campus of Catania.

LINKS: [https://goo.gl/maps/yRUF8s5J3NfExugs7 Position on Google Maps] | [http://www.oact.inaf.it/ INAF Astrophysical Observatory website]

From city center you can reach the venue by public transport, such as Metro and BRT1 Bus.From the entrance of Policlinico, which address is Via S. Sofia n.78, the Observatory gathers for a 8-minute walk. However, if you prefer to use taxi, you can tell the driver to leave you inside the Observatory parking area.

[[File:Obspath1.png|800px]]

*'''By Metro + Metro Shuttle''' The closest metro stop to the Observatory is the “Milo” one, from where you can reach the venue by a free Metro Shuttle service, stopping at the “Policlinico” bus stop. The metro trains have a frequency of one train every 10 minutes until 15:00; then the frequency will be one train every 15 minutes. The shuttles have frequency of a bus every 10 minutes. LINKS: [https://www.circumetnea.it/upload/pdf%20orario%20analitico%20-%20metro%20Nesima%20%20Stesicoro.pdf Metro Timetable – Price €1,00 (90 minutes)] | [https://www.circumetnea.it/upload_news/ORARIO%20NAVETTA%20METRO%20SHUTTLE%20-%20In%20vigore%20dal%2019%20novembre%202018.pdf Metro Shuttle Timetable] | [https://universityequipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/shuttle-metro-catania.jpg Map of the Metro and Shuttles route (in red: the metro route; in yellow: shuttle route)]

*'''BRT1 BUS''' The rapid bus [https://moovitapp.com/index/it/mezzi_pubblici-line-BRT1-Catania-2806-851990-268968-0 BRT1] connects downtown to the entrance of the Hospital area (“Policlinico” bus stop). Because BRT1 is a circular line, you can take this bus to go from the Observatory to downtown at the same bus stop. Buy a ticket also for the return trip. There are no places where to buy a ticket close to the Observatory. LINKS: [http://www.amt.ct.it/blank.php?linea=BRT1 BRT1 Timetable - €1.00 (90 minutes)]

For further information on logistics, please see [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i7VWpCyg5e9vZBEX-JmkCIHbfpxhFtn1/view?usp=sharing this file] or contact our WOC staff at INAF Astrophysical Observatory of Catania:
*Giuseppe Leto [mailto:giuseppe.leto@inaf.it] 
*Flavia Calderone [mailto:flavia.calderone@inaf.it] 
*Giancarlo Bellassai [mailto:giancarlo.bellassai@inaf.it] 
*Ricardo Zanmar Sanchez [mailto:ricardo.sanchez@inaf.it] 

= Accommodation =

Here it is a [https://secure.booking.com/mywishlist.html?aid=304142&tflv=0&wl=ktruzcDmah1P%2FAYNPscsfnnhB7g& booking list] on www.booking.com of suggested city center hotels and B&B that are close to Bus or Metro stops. 
''The Booking list offers the price for a double room by default: be careful to select the correct number of room guests before finalizing the reservation.''

=Social events=

==19.12.2019 | Social dinner==
The Social Dinner will be held on '''Thursday 19th December''' at 20:30 at Vineria Picasso, in the city center of Catania. 
Click [https://goo.gl/maps/jGN9rbUx6Lbwuhwr5 here] for the position of the restaurant on Google Maps 
The dinner is fish-based, except for who are vegetarian and vegan, and it is offered by the Meeting WOC. 

==20.12.2019 | Guided walking tour in the historical city center of Catania==
We are planning to organize a private walking tour of the historic center of Catania with an english-speaking guide.
Considering its status as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania is full of history and ancient monuments and today boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage to be discovered. 
The most remarkable landmarks are concentrated in the downtown area of Catania where, in addition to the Roman and Greek monuments, the streets are so attractive thanks to the magnificent Baroque architecture of the palaces, churches and monuments.

==21.12.2019 | Excursion to Mount Etna==
We are are planning to organize an '''excursion on the Mount Etna''' for Saturday 21 December. 
For more information about Mount Etna, see the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Etna Wikipedia webpage].

[[File:etnacrateri3.jpg|373px]]
[[File:Trekking-sullEtna-Cratere-Centrale--1080x675.jpg|424px]]
 
''Image credits: "Guide Vulcanologiche Etna" and "Rifugio Sapienza" websites''

An approximate itinerary of the excursion may be:
*8:30 Leave Catania city center in the morning by bus to reach the Sapienza Refuge, which is located in the privileged position of 1.920 meters above sea level, at the highest point of arrival for cars and close to the Etna cable car facilities;
*9:30 Arrival at the Sapienza Refuge
*9:45 A guided tour (in English) of the area around Sapienza Refuge (within 200 m asl variation) or, for those who want to try a stronger experience, a trekking further up to 2.900 asl (depending on the Prefecture security prescriptions); for the fares of this second option, please see the section "Fares for excursion to Mount Etna"
*13:00-14:30 Lunch in the Sapienza Refuge area;
*15:00 Transfer by bus to Serra La Nave (1.735 m asl) for a visit to the station "M.G. Fracastoro" of the Catania Astrophysical Observatory, located on the southern slope of Mt. Etna volcano;
*17:00 Return back to Catania about at 5:00 p.m.;
*18:00 Arrival to Catania center.

===Fares for excursion to Mount Etna===
Transportation by bus from/to Catania and the guide for the tour around the Sapienza Refuge area are offered by the Meeting WOC. 
All meals, the trip on the higher craters and what is not explicitly indicated are the responsibility of the participants. 
Who wants to try a closer experience with craters in the morning can buy a ticket at Sapienza Refuge to go up to 2.900 asl with an organized tour that includes cab+unimog+guided tour: the fare is around €65. The price of the trip will depend on the number of interested people. 

===What you need to know before joining the excursion===
*Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe (3.350 meters) and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Following continuous eruptive activities, access beyond 2.920 meters asl ("Torre del Filosofo") is forbidden, as per the Ordinance of the Prefecture of Catania.
*The mountain requires specific clothing and accessories: trekking shoes, anoraks and also walking stick are recommended (they can be rented at the Sapienza Refuge). We suggest you also to get dressed in layers, in order to cope with sudden climatic changes, and to bring with you some food and water.
*This excursion is not recommended only for those who suffer from blood pressure, heart problems and asthma.

LINKS: [https://www.rifugiosapienza.com/cosa-fare-sull-etna.php Rifugio Sapienza website] | [https://g.page/rifugio-sapienza?share Position of Sapienza Refuge on Google Maps] | [http://funiviaetna.com/ Funivia dell’Etna (Etna cable car)] | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Etna Mount Etna on Wikipedia]

==21.12.2019 | Alternative trip to Syracuse==
In case of unfavorable weather conditions on the mountain, which in December could also foresee snow, an alternative could be a '''one-day trip to Syracuse'''. 
Syracuse, a historic sicilian city covered in layers of white stone, is listed since 2005 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because its monuments and archeological sites are charming example of different architectural and cultural historical periods, such as Greek, Roman and Baroque.

[[File:1600px-Cattedrale,_Syracuse,_Province_of_Syracuse,_Ortygia,_Sicily,_Italy_-_panoramio.jpg|800px]]
 
''Image credits: "Wikimedia Commons"

The trip itinerary is to be defined, but it may include:
*8:30 Departure from Catania to Syracuse
*10:00 Arrival to Syracuse and visit the Archaeological area with an English-speaking tourist guide;
*13:00 Transfer by bus from Syracuse to Ortigia; lunch at Ortigia;
*14:30 Guided tour (English spoken) of Ortigia, which may include:
**''Neapolis archaeological park'', which is a vast area featuring many important ancient buildings and structures, such as Roman theater, Greek theater, the altar of Hieron II and the Ear of Dionysius;
**the ''Syracuse market'', where you can shop souvenirs and even buy some spices and herbs;
**the ''Ortigia Island'' and the ''Duomo Cathedral'';
*17:00 Return back to Catania;
*18:00 Arrival at Catania center.

LINKS: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Sicily Syracuse on Wikipedia] | [https://goo.gl/maps/EHQCy84t38y5qAnz7 Position of Syracuse on Google Maps]

===Fares for excursion to Syracuse===
Transportation by bus from/to Catania is offered by the Meeting WOC. 
All meals, tickets in the archeological sites and what is not explicitly indicated are the responsibility of the participants.

Workshop2019:logistics

2019-10-18T07:45:24Z

Flavia.calderone:

Workshop2019:agenda

2019-10-11T19:37:31Z

Flavia.calderone:

We plan to start on the morning of Wednesday, 18.Dec and finish the meeting with lunch on Friday, 20.Dec.

On Saturday, 21.Dec, there will be an interesting social event/trip, so if you can, please stay a bit longer!

=Social dinner=
The Social Dinner will be held on '''Thursday 19th December''' at 20:00. 
More information and details will follow soon. 
Please let us know if you are willing to attend the social dinner and indicate if you have any food intolerances or special requests. 

=Social event: excursion to Mount Etna=
We are are planning to organize an '''excursion on the Mount Etna''' for Saturday 21 December. 
For more information about Mount Etna, see the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Etna Wikipedia webpage].

[[File:etnacrateri3.jpg|373px]]
[[File:Trekking-sullEtna-Cratere-Centrale--1080x675.jpg|424px]]
 
''Image credits: "Guide Vulcanologiche Etna" and "Rifugio Sapienza" websites''

Full details about the organization will be given later, but an approximate itinerary of the excursion may be:
*leave Catania city center in the morning by bus to reach the Sapienza Refuge, which is located in the privileged position of 1.920 meters above sea level, at the highest point of arrival for cars and close to the Etna cable car facilities;
*a guided tour of the area around Sapienza Refuge (within 200 m asl variation) or, for those who want to try a stronger experience, a trekking further up to 2.900 asl (depending on the Prefecture security prescriptions);
*lunch in the Sapienza Refuge area;
*in the early afternoon, a visit to the station "M.G. Fracastoro" of the Catania Astrophysical Observatory, located on the southern slope of Mt. Etna volcano at Serra La Nave (1.735 m asl);
*return back to Catania about at 5:00 p.m.

Who wants to try a closer experience with craters in the morning can buy a ticket at Sapienza Refuge to go up with an organized tour that includes cab+unimog+guided tour: the fare is around €65.

==Fares for excursion to Mount Etna==
Transportation by bus from/to Catania and the guide for the tour around the Sapienza Refuge area are offered by the Meeting WOC. 
All meals, the trip on the higher craters and what is not explicitly indicated are the responsibility of the participants.

==What you need to know before joining the excursion==
*Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe (3.350 meters) and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Following continuous eruptive activities, access beyond 2.920 meters asl ("Torre del Filosofo") is forbidden, as per the Ordinance of the Prefecture of Catania.
*The mountain requires specific clothing and accessories: trekking shoes, anoraks and also walking stick are recommended (they can be rented at the Sapienza Refuge). We suggest you also to get dressed in layers, in order to cope with sudden climatic changes, and to bring with you some food and water.
*This excursion is not recommended only for those who suffer from blood pressure, heart problems and asthma.

LINKS: [https://www.rifugiosapienza.com/cosa-fare-sull-etna.php Rifugio Sapienza website] | [https://g.page/rifugio-sapienza?share Position of Sapienza Refuge on Google Maps] | [http://funiviaetna.com/ Funivia dell’Etna (Etna cable car)] | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Etna Mount Etna on Wikipedia]

=Alternative trip to Syracuse=
In case of unfavorable weather conditions on the mountain, which in December could also foresee snow, an alternative could be a '''one-day trip to Syracuse'''. 
Syracuse, a historic sicilian city covered in layers of white stone, is listed since 2005 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because its monuments and archeological sites are charming example of different architectural and cultural historical periods, such as Greek, Roman and Baroque.

[[File:1600px-Cattedrale,_Syracuse,_Province_of_Syracuse,_Ortygia,_Sicily,_Italy_-_panoramio.jpg|800px]]
 
''Image credits: "Wikimedia Commons"

The trip itinerary is to be defined, but it may include:
*''Neapolis archaeological park'', which is a vast area featuring many important ancient buildings and structures, such as Roman theater, Greek theater, the altar of Hieron II and the Ear of Dionysius;
*the ''Syracuse market'', where you can shop souvenirs and even buy some spices and herbs;
*the ''Ortigia Island'' and the ''Duomo Cathedral''.

LINKS: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Sicily Syracuse on Wikipedia] | [https://goo.gl/maps/EHQCy84t38y5qAnz7 Position of Syracuse on Google Maps]

==Fares for excursion to Syracuse==
Transportation by bus from/to Catania is offered by the Meeting WOC. 
All meals, tickets in the archeological sites and what is not explicitly indicated are the responsibility of the participants.

Workshop2019:agenda

Workshop2019:logistics

2019-10-04T12:13:59Z

Flavia.calderone: