Dettelbach Vineyard Observatory

Dettelbach Vineyard Observatory (IAU code K87) is a private research observatory among the vineyards of Dettelbach in Franconia, Bavaria, dedicated to tracking asteroids and comets.

About Dettelbach Vineyard Observatory

Dettelbach Vineyard Observatory sits among the vineyards near Dettelbach, Franconia, in Bavaria, Germany, at roughly 268 metres elevation. It carries the IAU observatory code K87 (previously listed as B82 Maidbronn) and is run as a dedicated research station for automated observation of solar system objects.

History

The observatory is operated by Bernhard Häusler, an amateur astronomer and software developer who also created NEO Planner, software for automating the observation of solar system objects. In 2004 the observatory's equipment survived a dramatic fall during a storm, and the site has continued operating since, tracking near-Earth and cometary objects from its vineyard-side location.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's main instrument is a 12-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (a Meade LX200 from 1992), fitted with a CMOS camera added in 2017. Observations are processed with N.I.N.A., Tycho Tracker and Astrometrica software. Working from Dettelbach, Häusler has discovered the asteroids (410928) Maidbronn in 2009 and (668527) Christophgerhard in 2012; in recognition of that work, the asteroid (748569) Bernhardhäusler was named in his honour.

Location & getting there

Dettelbach Vineyard Observatory is set among vineyards in Franconia, Bavaria, in the Europe region on Star Register's map - the same rolling, rural terrain that gives the observatory its name and its comparatively dark skies.

Visiting Dettelbach Vineyard Observatory

This is a private research observatory rather than a public visitor site, and it does not publish tour times or opening hours. Its work and equipment are documented on its own website for anyone interested in following its discoveries.

See your named star from here

The same right ascension and declination coordinates that let Dettelbach Vineyard Observatory track a fast-moving asteroid are exactly what comes with every star named through Star Register. Name a star of your own, or browse the catalogue to see stars already claimed.