Presentation

The Osservatorio Astronomico di Bologna, one of the twelve Italian Observatories, is one of the research structures of the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), operating under the supervision of the Ministry for Education, University and Research (MIUR). The Ministry provides most of the financial resources which make our activity possible.

This Report gives an overview of our scientific researches, covering a wide range of astrophysical topics, as well as operational and educational activities. OAB astronomers are mostly involved in:

• studies of stellar populations and galactic evolution and their cosmological implications;

• studies of the structure, evolution and distribution of galaxies, clusters and AGNs, and their contribution to the cosmological backgrounds;

• numerical studies in the field of gas hydrodynamics and turbulence simulations;

• management and upgrading of the two telescopes in Loiano (152 and 60 cm) and development of astronomical instruments in the framework of national and international programs.

• outreach and educational initiatives, through exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

Most of these studies are based on an intensive use of the most advanced instruments available today at all wavelengths. They are carried out in collaboration with many international and national institutes and, locally, with the Università di Bologna, Dipartimento di Astronomia and with the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR). A large fraction of the staff is involved in international long-term projects.

A very schematic summary of the Observatory budget in 2003 is presented (in Italian) at the end, for administrative purposes.

This report has been prepared by Alberto Buzzoni, Alberto Cappi, Antonio De Blasi, Annibale D'Ercole, Monica Marra, Roberto Merighi, Gianluigi Parmeggiani, Giovanna Stirpe, Monica Tosi and Valentina Zitelli.

Web edition by Marco Lolli.