Public Observatory Mainz

The Public Observatory Mainz operates from a purpose-built site southwest of Mainz, Germany, where an amateur astronomy association has welcomed visitors to look through its telescope since the 1980s.

About Public Observatory Mainz

The observatory's Paul-Baumann-Sternwarte building was completed in 1984 and is run by the AAG Mainz e.V., an amateur astronomy association. It sits about 94 metres above sea level, roughly 8 kilometres southwest of the city centre near the Klein-Winternheim exit off the A63.

History

Mainz has an older public-astronomy tradition too: the Volkssternwarte Mainz once operated from a 35-metre tower at the Anne-Frank-Schule in the city centre, though that site has been closed to the public since 2012 for fire-safety reasons, leaving the Paul-Baumann-Sternwarte as the association's active public venue.

Telescopes & research

The main instrument is a 30-centimetre, computer-controlled telescope with a 3-metre focal length, used for public observation evenings and educational programmes.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits at 94 metres elevation on the southwestern edge of Mainz, Germany, easily reached from the A63 motorway.

Visiting Public Observatory Mainz

AAG Mainz e.V. runs free telescope office hours, observation evenings and summer sun-observing sessions for the public. Check current dates and times before visiting, as sessions depend on clear skies.

See your named star from here

With a dedicated 30-centimetre telescope and regular public sessions, Public Observatory Mainz is a practical place to try locating a star named through Star Register. Get your star's coordinates or look it up in the catalogue first.