Long Night of the Stars / Midsummer at AIP
NEW: Images from the event are online now!
Celebrate midsummer at the AIP!
AIP invites to its next Long Night of Stars on 20 June 2012, the afternoon + night before the next summer solstice, which marks the beginning of astronomical summer on our northern hemisphere . The Long Night of Stars is an event with a varied program for all ages including a kids' programme, experiments, lectures, guided tours, an astro quiz, the observation of the sun and the starry sky on a clear day and much more.
Come join us from 3p.m. on June 20 to 1a.m. on June 21 at the Research Campus Babelsberg (former Babelsberg Observatory).
- Admission is free!
- Directions to AIP Research Campus Potsdam-Babelsberg
- Programme: Please change to the German Version to see the full programme.
The astronomical beginning of summer
The day of sun solstice is an astronomical event on which the sun reaches its highest position on the horizon. Not only do we experience the longest day of the year, but also the day that hopefully will entail the beginning of a wonderful summertime. On this very day the sun does not set at all when it is right above the Arctic Circle. North of this latitude, periods of continuous daylight last up to six months at the North Pole. The further in the northern polar region you are, the less it gets dark at night. This is why people living in places north of the Arctic Circle refer to them as "white nights". Many festivals, rites and rituals are associated with this phenomenon.
The AIP uses the solstice as an occasion to celebrate the beginning of summer and to take you to the world of stars. The sun will receive special attention.
