AN EXTRAORDINARY SHOW AT THE FOOT OF MON PLAISIR
On 12 August 2026, Pobiedna will become one of the most fascinating places on the astronomical map of Lower Silesia. An event combining two extraordinary phenomena – a partial solar eclipse and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower – will take place near the Mon Plaisir Tower. The programme will include telescope observations, astrophotography workshops, meetings with astronomy enthusiasts and an evening tour of the historic tower.
Two extraordinary astronomical events on the same day
It is not often that, on a single day, one can observe both partial solar eclipse, as well as those taking place on the same night the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. This is a unique opportunity to begin your astronomical adventure before sunset and bring it to a close beneath the starry skies of the Izera Mountains.
Thanks to the low levels of light pollution, the area around Pobiedna is one of the best places in Europe for stargazing. It is here that a historic site linked to the study of the heavens is being revived – The Mon Plaisir Tower.
Event programme
Participants can look forward to a packed programme organised jointly by the Izera Local Tourist Organisation, the event’s partners (the Krasicki Hotel Resort & SPA in Świeradów-Zdrój and the Świeradów Forest District) and astronomy enthusiasts.
The programme includes, amongst other things:
- safe observation of a partial solar eclipse through solar telescopes,
- astrophotography workshops led by Michał Zimny's,
- observations of the night sky and the Perseid meteor shower peak,
- stories about stars, meteors and the mysteries of the cosmos,
- an evening tour of the Mon Plaisir Tower,
- the opportunity to support the restoration of a historic monument.
The event is aimed at both families with children and those who are just beginning their journey into astronomy.
Mon Plaisir – a place designed for stargazing
The Mon Plaisir Tower is not just a random venue for hosting astronomical events.
In the early 19th century, its creator, Adolph Traugott von Gersdorf, he carried out numerous astronomical, meteorological and geophysical observations here. The tower was the venue for scientific meetings and experiments conducted by one of Upper Lusatia’s most eminent scholars.
The restoration of this exceptional historic monument is currently underway. Our aim is to create centre for science, history and astronomy, which will once again be used to promote knowledge and the observation of the sky.
Organising events such as the Perseid Night is a natural continuation of this tradition, which dates back over two hundred years.
Michał Zimny will lead an astrophotography workshop
One of the guests at the event will be Michał Zimny – a renowned astrophotographer and populariser of astronomy.
During the workshop, participants will learn the basics of photographing the night sky, find out how to set up their camera to take photos of the stars, and discover how to capture shooting stars. This will be an excellent opportunity to gain practical knowledge for both beginners and more experienced photography enthusiasts.
Organisational information
📅 Date: 12 August 2026.
🕕 Time: 18:00–00:00
📍 Location: the area around the Mon Plaisir Tower (Czuba Hill – historically known as Sanssouci in Pobiedna)
Introduction
Participation in the event is free of charge, however, as places are limited, advance booking is required.
Booking:
☎️ 501 330 720
Together, we are rebuilding Mon Plaisir
During the event, you will also have the opportunity to support the restoration of the Mon Plaisir Tower. Every donation brings us closer to the day when this historic tower will once again become a meeting place for scholars, history enthusiasts and astronomy lovers from Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.
We invite everyone who would like to gaze up at the sky from the very spot where Adolf Traugott von Gersdorf observed it over 220 years ago.
An event co-funded by the Marshal’s Office of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
