Walter-Hohmann-Sternwarte

The Walter-Hohmann-Sternwarte is a public observatory in Essen equipped with multiple telescopes housed in a dome and additional protective structures for astronomical observation. Positioned at an elevation of 120 meters, the facility provides favorable conditions for viewing the night sky from this location.

The observatory was established in 1965 by astronomy enthusiasts and officially registered in 1969, receiving its current name in 1971 to honor space pioneer Walter Hohmann. This naming reflects the importance of Hohmann's contributions to spaceflight calculations and orbital mechanics.

The observatory serves as a gathering place for people drawn to astronomy, offering a space where visitors learn to observe stars and planets firsthand. It fosters connections among amateur astronomers who regularly meet to explore the night sky together.

The observatory welcomes visitors on designated evenings with guided tours and telescope access after sunset. Visitors should dress warmly, as observations occur outdoors and the location sits at an elevated position.

Since 1998, the observatory has tracked asteroids and contributed data to the International Astronomical Union, resulting in eleven new asteroid discoveries since 2002. This research activity makes it a place where visitors witness actual scientific work alongside their own observations.

Location: Essen

Inception: 1969

Elevation above the sea: 120 m

GPS coordinates: 51.39375,6.97844

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42