The "Bruno H. Bürgel" Observatory

Astronomie
Die Bruno-H-Bürgel-Sternwarte

Astronomie How it all began
The "Bruno-H- Bürgel-Sternwarte" is a registered astronomical club and observatory.
It was founded on April 6, 1982.
At first the members held their monthly meetings in a local church in Spandau.

Astronomie Early Activities
  • Shared Observation Nights
  • Lectures on astronomical themes and events
  • Tours of exhibitions such as "25 Years of Space Travel"
  • Participation in the annual Spandau Christmas Market with an Infostand and sales of astronomical photos
  • Publication of the magazine "Space"

Astronomie "Space" Magazine
"Space" magazine is published quarterly . The magazine informs members and other hobby-astronomers on a wide range of astronomical themes, events, observation technologies and much more.

Astronomie Observation Conditions
The club previously employed various small telescopes.
Many members also owned their own equipment.
Due to the then-existent Berlin Wall, observation-excursions into the surrounding countryside were not possible.
Because of this, the club longed for its own permanent observatory.

Astronomie The Platform on the Hill
In spring of 1983 an observation platform was built on the hill called "Staakener Hahneberg".

Astronomie Advantages
  • High-quality astronomical photos are now possible thanks to the stabile positioning of the telescope.
  • The platform's size enables the installation of large pieces of equipment.

Astronomie Plans for a Dome
The night sky over the hill Hahneberg is much darker than that found over other Berlin observatories. Members currently plan on constructing a central dome with all necessary instruments built-in in order to better observe the night sky.

Astronomie The Development of the Dome
  • Many factors must be considered before this project can be implemented, including: obtaining official permission, structural design and cost considerations.
  • And, naturally, sponsors are now sought, because the project cannot be financed by members' contributions and city donations alone.

Astronomie Financing
The building of the dome is being funded by "Mittel der Stiftung Deutsche Klassenlotterie Berlin" and the "Spenden Spandauer Unternehmen".


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