Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory

Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory is a historic astronomical observatory near the summit of the Königstuhl hill above Heidelberg, Germany, with roots stretching back to 1774.

About Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory

Known in German as the Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Königstuhl, the observatory is operated by the Center for Astronomy (ZAH) at the University of Heidelberg and sits at an elevation of 560 meters. Andreas Quirrenbach has served as the observatory's director since 2005.

History

The observatory's predecessor first opened in 1774 in the nearby city of Mannheim. As observing conditions there degraded, the facility relocated to its current site on the Königstuhl in 1898, where it has remained ever since as one of Germany's oldest astronomical institutions.

Telescopes & research

The historic Königstuhl site itself has little role in current research; ZAH astronomers now work primarily with the H.E.S.S. gamma-ray observatory in Namibia and ESO facilities in Chile. On-site, the Königstuhl complex also hosts Haus der Astronomie, a public astronomy outreach centre.

Location & getting there

Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory sits near the summit of the Königstuhl hill overlooking Heidelberg, in the Europe region of Germany, at 560 meters elevation - a scenic hilltop setting above the historic university city.

Visiting Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory

Check the observatory's official website for current visiting information, as the historic site and the neighbouring Haus der Astronomie outreach centre may offer public tours or events.

See your named star from here

Generations of astronomers have tracked precise star coordinates from the Königstuhl hill - the same kind of coordinates on a Star Register certificate. Name a star of your own, or browse the star catalogue.