Starkenburg Observatory, Public astronomical observatory in Heppenheim, Germany.

Starkenburg Observatory is a public facility in Heppenheim that houses multiple telescopes for viewing celestial objects and studying the night sky. The primary instruments include a large Newtonian telescope and a smaller Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that allow visitors to observe planets, stars, and other objects in space.

Construction of the observatory building at the foot of Starkenburg castle began in 1970 on the initiative of Alfred Sturm and Martin Geffert. In 1973 the association Astronomischer Arbeitskreis im Kulturkreis Heppenheim e. V. was founded, renamed Starkenburg-Sternwarte e. V. in 1991. Radio astronomy has been pursued since 1977, and since 1995 members have searched for and observed minor planets.

The facility serves as a hub for astronomy enthusiasts who gather regularly to learn and share their interest in the night sky through organized presentations. This community focus transforms the location into a meeting point where both casual visitors and dedicated observers connect over their passion for celestial studies.

The facility opens for public viewing sessions during the colder months, when night skies are clearer and observation sessions are most productive. Visitors should check conditions ahead of time, as weather and seasonal changes affect when observations are possible.

Asteroid 18610 was named Arthurdent after the protagonist of Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; it was discovered at the observatory by member Felix Hormuth, and the naming made international press in May 2001.