Challenges in conse rvation, restoration and maintenance
International W orkshop
Timekeepers have always been a fundamental part of the infrastructure of astronomical observatories. In Italy, more th an one hundred chronometrical instruments (pendulums, chronometers, c hronographs) are preserved across multiple observatories. One of the most ancient and rare collections is kept in Palermo at the Museo della Spe cola (which is part of SiMuA, the University Museums Network) at the INAF A stronomical Observatory.
The conservation of this he ritage, as well as its restoration and maintenance, is quite challenging – whether it is advisable to run these clocks or not; whether a restora tion should be attempted or not; or which microclimatic conditions ar e preferred – are still open questions. Different approaches that ten d to privilege either the preservation of the historical technical elements , or the reconstruction of some mechanisms, offer different perspectives, h ence it would be interesting and important to have discussions on these asp ects by sharing experiences and trying to identify some guidelines.
The workshop intends to offer an opportunity for deba ting these topics in order to define the best practices for safeguarding these collections. A hands-on app roach will be adopted, thanks to the collaboration of international experts in the field, through shared experiences and practical case studies. ;
The objective of the workshop is to provide partic ipants with new insights about the history and technology of observatory ti mekeepers, along with some practical conservation know-how.
The registration deadline is March 5, 2025; the registration fee is 150 € and incl udes visits to collections, workshop kit, access to coffee breaks and light lunch, social dinner.
Please note, only invited papers will be pres ented at the workshop. All participants, however, will have the opportunity to take part in the discussions.