Gelber Turm, Public observatory at Galgenberg ridge, Hildesheim, Germany
The Gelber Turm is a tower housing an astronomical observatory on the Galgenberg ridge near Hildesheim, with a metal dome covering a large telescope. It provides views toward the southeastern portion of the city and serves as a venue for organized stargazing sessions.
Construction of the tower began in 1886 using yellow brick on land that was undergoing forest restoration. The structure marked the completion of reforestation efforts in the area.
The tower serves as a gathering place where people interested in astronomy meet to observe the night sky together. This shared practice turns stargazing into a community activity centered on understanding the cosmos.
A climb of roughly 130 steps leads to the observation platform, where groups of up to 25 people can participate in guided viewing sessions. Visitors should know that clear skies offer the best conditions for stargazing, and sessions are frequently held on Friday evenings.
The tower houses the largest reflector telescope in southern Lower Saxony, which was transported by helicopter from the Leibniz Institute in Potsdam in 1999. This telescope represents a remarkable achievement in equipping the facility for serious stargazing.
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