Galactic encounters

December 23, 2011

Zoom Image

The design follows the shape and the dynamics of a spiral galaxy.

© Markus Pössel

The Haus der Astronomie (House of Astronomy) was founded at the end of 2008 by the Max Planck Society and the Klaus Tschira Foundation. It went into operation at the beginning of 2009. However, it was still missing suitable facilities. The building was realised by the Darmstadt-based architectural firm Bernhardt + Partner, and was inaugurated on 16 December 2011. The idea of modelling it on a spiral galaxy in terms of shape and dynamics came from patron Klaus Tschira.

Inside the building, educational material is developed for use in kindergartens and schools (for example, in the projects “Wissenschaft in die Schulen!” (Science in schools) or “Astro-Koffer” (the astronomic suitcase) with hands-on experiments). Moreover, German translations are produced of interactive websites (e.g., Galaxy Zoo Hubble) and press releases from the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

The spiral arms of the building accommodate workshop rooms for groups, exhibition areas and offices. The centre of the galaxy holds a multifunctional auditorium seating 101 persons, and is equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia technology, which impressively present images and 3D graphics from astronomers’ observations and computer simulations. The sustainable energy concept makes use of geothermal energy to heat and cool the building.

An observation platform with space for small telescopes has been created on the premises of the nearby Baden-Württemberg State Observatory. The larger telescopes of the State Observatory and of the Max Planck Institute are also available for special observation activities.

The Haus der Astronomie is the result of an unusual partnership between private and public institutions: The Klaus Tschira Foundation is not only the patron of the building, it also donated its basic equipment. The Max Planck Society is responsible for operating the centre, a task it has delegated to the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy on whose grounds the new building was erected. Further partners are Heidelberg University and the City of Heidelberg, which contribute to staffing the centre.

The project is funded by the Department of Science, Research and the Arts, as well as the Baden-Württemberg Department of Culture, Youth and Sports. Other important cooperation partners are the German astronomy magazine Sterne und Weltraum, whose editorial team has been working at the Königstuhl for 50 years and has now moved into the Haus der Astronomie, as well as the association Astronomieschule.

The Haus der Astronomie is not a museum with regular opening hours, nor does it offer a planetarium with a daily program. However, it is open to the general public within the framework of events and guided tours (subject to prior booking).

MP/HOR