Observation Evenings in the Great Refractor

The Great Refractor on the Potsdam's Telegrafenberg is a remarkable historic telescope and can be visited during various events and guided tours. During the winter months, we additionally offer observation evenings, which give visitors the unique opportunity to take a look through the telescope – provided the sky is clear.

Since we had a lot of visitors at some evenings in the recent years, leading to very long waiting times at the telescope, we now require everyone to register for the event. The registration form will be activated about one week before each date and linked here.

Dates and Registration

• Monday, 3rd November 2025, 8 pm - registration opens on 27th October
• Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, 7 pm
• Wednesday, 28th Januar 2026, 7 pm
• Thursday, 26th February 2026, 7 pm
• Friday, 27th March 2026, 7 pm

Location

Great Refractor (building A27)
Science Park "Albert Einstein", Telegrafenberg
14473 Potsdam

Meeting point: Dome of the refractor building (top floor).

If you arrive by car, please use the parking opportunities in the street "Albert-Einstein-Straße", it is not permitted to drive into the science park. From the entrance, it is a 10 minute walk to the Great Refractor.

Additional Information

Admission only after prior registration, free entry, donations to the Förderverein Großer Refraktor e.V. association for the preservation of the instrument are welcome.

Observation is only possible in clear weather conditions. In case of bad conditions like rain, snow or fog, we will show a demonstration of the instrument.

Please note that outside temperatures prevail in the dome of the building, so it can get very cold.

The building is not wheelchair accessible; the dome can only be reached by stairs.