8 January | Observation night in the Great Refractor

Großer Refraktor nachts
Credit: AIP
Jan. 6, 2020 //

On Wednesday, 8 January 2020, from 7 pm, the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) invites to a public observation night in the Great Refractor.

The Potsdam Great Refractor, inaugurated by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1899, is still the world’s fourth largest lens tele­scope. It combines the possibilities of mechanical manufacturing at the turn of the 20th century and the emerging demands of early astrophysical research – especially in the field of spectrography. After an explanatory demonstration, and if the sky is clear, guests can take a look at the stars with the help of the instrument.

7 - 9 pm, meeting point is in the dome of the refractor building.

Admission is free, no registration required.

In the case of inclement weather the instrument will be demonstrated.

Further information

Venue: Great Refractor, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam

The key areas of research at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) are cosmic magnetic fields and extragalactic astrophysics. A considerable part of the institute's efforts aims at the development of research technology in the fields of spectroscopy, robotic telescopes, and E-science. The AIP is the successor of the Berlin Observatory founded in 1700 and of the Astrophysical Observatory of Potsdam founded in 1874. The latter was the world's first observatory to emphasize explicitly the research area of astrophysics. The AIP has been a member of the Leibniz Association since 1992.
Last update: 7. April 2021