Volkssternwarte Rothwesten, Public observatory in Rothwesten, Germany
Volkssternwarte Rothwesten is a public observatory in Fuldatal with three telescopes, including a 210mm Newton reflector, a 300mm telescope, and a Meade ED APO refractor designed for solar observations. The facility sits on Häuschensberg hill and provides visitors with access to professional observation equipment.
The observatory was founded in 1963 on the initiative of Mayor Fritz Kranke and built on Häuschensberg hill, where a former observation tower had stood until 1912. The site thus had a long connection to sky observation before the modern facility was established.
This observatory functions as a public space where people can engage with astronomy and use professional telescopes to observe the night sky. The facility welcomes visitors who want to deepen their understanding of celestial objects and share the experience with others.
The observatory opens on Saturdays during clear skies, with viewing sessions starting at 8 PM from October through March and at 9 PM in April and September. Visitors should check weather conditions before coming and dress warmly, since observations take place at night.
The observatory features a walk-in pinhole camera that functions as a spectroscopic laboratory, offering visitors hands-on insight into optics and light behavior. This interactive element allows people to understand camera mechanics and light spectrum through direct experience.
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