Observatoire d'Hettange

Observatoire d'Hettange is a fortified World War II observation post near Hettange-Grande in northeastern France, built as part of the Maginot Line's defensive network rather than as a site for astronomy.

About Observatoire d'Hettange

The structure functioned as an isolated, autonomous observation post equipped with a GFM machine-gun cloche and a separate observatory cloche giving periscopic views over the surrounding terrain. It was connected to the Maginot Line's telephone network under subscriber number 467.

History

The post was staffed by artillerymen of the 151st Fortress Artillery Regiment (151st RAP) under Sub-Lieutenant Trouillet. A planned underground gallery linking it to a nearby shelter had not been completed by 1940. The structure still stands today, though dense vegetation makes access difficult.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits near Hettange-Grande (also known locally as Hettange or Soetrich), close to France's borders with Luxembourg and Germany, part of the Europe region as classified here.

Visiting Observatoire d'Hettange

This is a historic military structure rather than a staffed visitor attraction, and overgrown terrain limits access; anyone interested in exploring Maginot Line fortifications in the area is best served by researching organised heritage tours nearby.

See your named star from here

Observatoire d'Hettange was built for watching the ground, not the sky, but a named star can still be found from anywhere its precise coordinates reach. Every Star Register package includes the exact position of your star, ready to share with any observatory or telescope operator, wherever you are. Explore the star catalogue to name one.