Kepler-Schule Graz observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Perched on the roof of BRG Kepler in Graz, Austria, the Kepler-Schule observatory is a rare thing: a working astronomical dome built as part of a secondary school.
About Kepler-Schule Graz observatory
Planned in the 1990s and built from 1996 as part of a roof expansion at the Keplerstraße school, this is the first and only school observatory in Austria. Its dome houses telescopes used for observing the Sun, the Moon's surface detail, and the major planets, and the facility also supports student learning in optics, electronics, and fine mechanics alongside astronomy itself.
History
The observatory grew out of a 1990s plan to add astronomical facilities to the Kepler school's roof, construction beginning in 1996. It has since become a fixture of astronomy education and public outreach in Graz.
Location & getting there
The observatory sits at Keplerstraße 1 in Graz, Austria, integrated into the school building itself, making it easy to find within the city.
Visiting Kepler-Schule Graz observatory
The observatory runs public star tours on Monday evenings, giving visitors a chance to look through its telescopes and learn about the solar system. Check current tour times before visiting, as school-term schedules can vary.
See your named star from here
On a Monday evening star tour, staff can turn a telescope toward the coordinates of any named star. Name a star for a special occasion, then check its position in our catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
