Observatory
The University of Bayreuth Observatory is currently being built on the southern grounds of the Botanical Garden. The observatory is equipped with a three-meter dome, a powerful refracting telescope, a computer-controlled mount, and modern electronic detectors. The observatory is fully remote-capable. In other words, it can be operated from anywhere.
Designed for student use, the observatory provides hands-on experience with scientific measurement technology and data analysis in one of the most fascinating areas of physics. After a brief technical introduction, students can perform astronomical measurements independently as part of lectures, projects, advanced practical courses, or an astronomy club. These activities include taking long-term exposures of astronomical objects, processing and evaluating images (e.g., creating Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams and determining the age of star clusters), and taking astrophotographs. Students will also conduct spectroscopic investigations of stars, double star systems, and planetary atmospheres.
Participate and contact us
Anyone interested in working at the observatory, even outside of physics lectures or practicals, is welcome to get in touch. Coordination is handled via the e-Learning curse of the astronomy group.
Dr. Thorsten Schumacher
Head of Observatory
room: 1.0.01 (BGI)
phone: +49-921-55 3805
email: thorsten.schumacher@uni-bayreuth.de
Instrumentation
Our observatory is fully remote-capable. It features a dome, a computer-controlled mount, a telescope, a cooled camera with autofocus and a field rotator, and a simple spectrometer. more...
Projects and Experiments
The available equipment makes it possible to carry out a wide variety of experiments. more...
Astro-galery
Our astro gallery with some impressions of the night sky in Bayreuth (and the surrounding area). More...