Osenbach observatory

In the village of Osenbach, in France's Alsace region between Colmar and Guebwiller, a volunteer-built observatory has been opening its doors to stargazers since 1993.

About Osenbach observatory

The observatory stands in Osenbach, near Soulzmatt, and is run by the Société Astronomique du Haut-Rhin, the astronomical society of Upper Rhine. It was built entirely by volunteers and inaugurated in 1993.

History

Since opening in 1993, the observatory's members have carried out amateur research alongside public outreach. In 1997, observer Denis Christen discovered a supernova from the site, a notable achievement for a volunteer-run facility.

Telescopes and research

Members at Osenbach track comets and asteroids in addition to supernova searches, using the observatory's instruments for both research and public sky-watching sessions.

Location and getting there

Osenbach sits in the Alsace countryside, between the towns of Colmar and Guebwiller, in eastern France near the Vosges foothills.

Visiting Osenbach observatory

The observatory opens to the public on Friday evenings in July and August, with sky observation through binoculars and telescopes, laser sky-pointer presentations, and educational programmes. Admission is 5 euros for adults and 2 euros for children.

See your named star from here

A Friday evening at Osenbach is a great chance to see more than the naked-eye sky. If you name a star with Star Register, you'll get its exact coordinates, and the society's telescopes could be pointed right at it. Check your star's details any time in our catalogue.