Volkssternwarte Hagen
Image: Wikimedia Commons
In the city forest above Hagen's Wehringhausen district, Volkssternwarte Hagen has been run entirely by volunteer astronomers since 1955, next to the city's Eugen Richter observation tower.
About Volkssternwarte Hagen
The observatory sits at an elevation of roughly 300 metres and is built and maintained entirely through volunteer effort. It houses two 25cm reflecting telescopes as well as a weather station.
History
Volkssternwarte Hagen was founded on 9 November 1955, with observations beginning the following year using small private equipment. The observatory's meteorological station has kept continuous daily records ever since.
Telescopes & research
Members focus on astrophotography, deep-sky observation, and tracking comets and planets, alongside solar and lunar observation and the photography of bright meteors, as well as measuring minor planets.
Location & getting there
The observatory is set in the city forest south of downtown Hagen, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Visiting Volkssternwarte Hagen
As a volunteer-run public observatory, it is best to check its website for current opening times and observing evenings before visiting.
See your named star from here
A star named through Star Register can be found from Hagen's city forest or anywhere else in the world using its coordinates. Browse the catalogue to see how it works.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
