Starkenburg Observatory

The Stark Castle Observatory eV Heppenheim is a club observatory near Heppenheim on the mountain road in southern Hesse. It is registered under the IAU code 611. In her amateur astronomical observations are carried out and offered public science education events.

Geographical Location

  • Length: 08 ° 39'07 "East
  • Width: 49 ° 38'48 "North
  • Height above sea level. NN: 256 m

History

Following the initiative of Alfred Sturm and Martin Geffert establishing the strong castle - observatory of Stark castle was in 1970 with the construction of the building at the foot started. 1973, the association " Astronomical Working Group of the Cultural Group Heppenheim eV" ​​was founded, which was "Strong Castle Observatory eV" transferred in 1991 to the Association.

Equipment and monitoring priorities

The observatory has an observation platform with various telescopes, mostly refractors. Under a dome with a diameter of 5 meters a 45 cm Newton telescope, which is equipped with a CCD camera is located. With this equipment, the strong castle - observatory involved since 1995 in the observation and search for small planets. To date ( November 2005) were discovered 50 minor planets by members of the observatory and partially baptized. The discovered on 1 April 1997 Asteroid 14080 was named Heppenheim ( see ( 14080 ) Heppenheim ). Since 1977 also Radio astronomy is operated on the high castle - observatory. For this purpose, the observatory recently about a particular building, which is equipped with a radio telescope

Events

With numerous public events and lectures, the members of the Stark Castle Observatory attempt by statute to contribute to astronomical education in the population. In a challenging lecture program, weekly contributions from the natural sciences with a focus on astronomy and other fields. On a clear day there are Fridays for the public for observation of the sky with the instruments of observation platform. The Stark Castle Observatory has already been the organizer of conferences. For Hessentag of Heppenheim Planet was inaugurated, which was established and funded at the initiative of the observatory of the city of Heppenheim. This Planet is to bring to 2.6 km in length hikers the dimensions of our solar system in more detail.

Others

In May 2001, the name of the observatory went through the international press, as one discovered by Member Observatories Felix Hormuth minor planet in the name ( 18610 ) Arthur Dent was baptized. Arthur Dent is the main character in Douglas Adams novel series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Newtonian telescope (14080) Heppenheim The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (novel)
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