Hans-Haffner-Sternwarte

Hans-Haffner-Sternwarte is a school and university observatory near Hettstadt, just west of Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany, where students carry out real astronomical research.

About Hans-Haffner-Sternwarte

The observatory was built in 2009 and inaugurated on 18 December 2009, during the International Year of Astronomy. It is named after Hans Haffner (1912-1977), an astronomer from Würzburg. It is operated by the Naturwissenschaftliches Labor für Schüler at the Friedrich-König-Gymnasium in cooperation with the University of Würzburg's Chair of Astronomy, and has been an officially recognised school and university observatory since 2016.

Telescopes & research

The main instrument is a 50-centimetre Planwave astrograph on a 10-Micron GM4000 mount, which saw first light on 21 March 2012. In 2015 the site was extended with a 3-metre radio telescope, inaugurated on 4 October 2017. Students and pupils take part in visual observations, astrophotography, and scientific research at the observatory as part of its educational mission.

Location & getting there

Hans-Haffner-Sternwarte is located near Hettstadt, about 10 kilometres west of Würzburg, in Bavaria, Germany.

Visiting Hans-Haffner-Sternwarte

As a school and university observatory, public access is generally arranged through organised events rather than casual drop-in visits; it's best to check with the Friedrich-König-Gymnasium or the University of Würzburg's astronomy department for upcoming opportunities.

See your named star from here

Once you've named a star, its exact coordinates can be shared with observatory staff so a telescope can be pointed its way. Browse the catalogue to find your star.