News

At the end of July, Wacken will be reaching for the stars: Wacken Open Air is bringing numerous players from the German space and astronomy cuommunity to the holy ground – including astronauts. As part of a special collaboration, visitors can look forward to a space camp with an exciting and informative program on all things space. Partners include ArianeGroup, the German Astronomical Society (represented by the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, the House of Astronomy in Heidelberg, and the Institute of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Potsdam), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), CRAF, the German Aerospace Society (DGLR), Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE, HPS, Hylmpulse, NEUROSPACE, OHB, and POLARIS Spaceplanes. A special highlight will be the visit of astronauts Alexander Gerst and Rabea Rogge to Wacken Open Air. more

On Saturday, 29 March 2025, a partial solar eclipse can be observed at lunchtime, during which up to 23% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. more

Starting 11 October 2024, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) can be seen with the naked eye at dusk on the western horizon. In the following days, the comet rises higher in the sky, but also becomes fainter. On 19 October, astronomical institutions from German-speaking countries invite the public to observe the comet on Astronomy Day, including MPIA and the Haus der Astronomie. more

Summer, Sun, Perseids: Every year, significantly higher numbers of meteors can be seen at night in mid-August. During this time, the Earth passes through a swarm of cosmic dust particles on its orbit, which result in streaks of light as they enter Earth's atmosphere. In 2024, most shooting stars can be seen on 12 August early in the morning and during the night of 12 to 13 August. Under optimal conditions, meteors can be seen darting across the sky about every two minutes. more

Images of the sky captured by enthusiastic stargazers can leave one in awe, but they can also be important teaching tools, especially when they are open to all. For its third astrophotography contest, the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education sought out images of the motions of the heavens: from the Sun’s path from across the sky through the year, to the movement of the stars in the night sky and the changing phases of Venus; as well as images taken with a smartphone. Each image breathtaking, each demonstrating an important concept. Modern imaging technology, from the simple smartphone to more sophisticated telescopes help to bring out great educational potential in these beautiful celestial images. Their power is even greater if the teachers and students realise that they were obtained, patiently and skillfully, using equipment that is commonly available. more

Shooting star season is not only in mid-August, but also in mid-December! The Geminids, which appear to come from the namesake constellation Gemini, offer a reliable winter show of shooting stars - this year without any disturbance by the Moon. Only the weather has to play along... more

After C/2022 E3 (ZTF) at the beginning of the year, we get another short term visit from the depths of the solar system with C/2023 P1 (Nishimura). Like ZTF, Nishimura reaches a brightness that makes it an object for binocular, but due to its proximity to the Sun, observing it is challenging. more

Every year mid-August, a noticably large number of shooting stars can be seen in the night sky. Around 12 August, the Earth crosses a swarm of cosmic dust particles which become visible when they enter Earth's atmosphere. Under optimal conditions, meteors can be seen darting across the sky every one to two minutes. This year, the premises are particularly favorable for this celestial spectacle, because the maximum of the Perseids is on a weekend and the Moon does not brighten the sky. more

This year's Girls' Day took place on Thursday 27 April 2023 and MPIA and HdA participated. more

The IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) announces its third astrophotography contest with the aim of making outstanding and educationally valuable astronomical images freely available. This year's categories include phases of Venus, solar day arcs and solargraphs, sunrise and sunset locations throughout the year, as well as smartphone astrophotography and time lapses of Big Dipper and Southern Cross. Deadline for submissions is 30 June 2023. more

From early to mid-April, planet Mercury appears in the western evening sky. This is the only good evening visibility of the planet closest to the Sun this year. more

German amateur astronomer Jost Jahn has made a rare discovery with the remote-controlled ROTAT telescope of the Foundation Interactive Astronomy and Astrophysics, that is maintained by the Haus der Astronomie: Comet P/2023 C1 (Jahn), now named after its discoverer, orbits the Sun in an inclined orbit between the two planets Mars and Jupiter. This is the first comet discovery by a German since 2002 more

On 27 April 2023, the House of Astronomy and the MPIA offer a Girls'Day for schoolgirls from grade 8. The programme lasts from 8:45 to 16:15. more

The new year starts with an interesting celestial encounter: Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will reach its maximum brightness at about 5.5 mag in early February and will be easily observable with binoculars. It will first be an object of the morning sky, then will be high in the sky near Polaris throughout the night and will say goodbye in the evening sky early in March. more

Event on 3 February 2023, 5 p.m. in the Haus der Astronomie more

The IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) hosted at Haus der Astronomie is today announcing the winners of its 2022 Astrophotography Contest. After being launched in April, the contest received nearly 230 entries from 31 countries around the world. The winning photos and videos will expand the OAE’s collection of high-quality educational resources available to astronomy educators globally. more

They were named after the constellation Gemini: The Geminids usually provide a beautiful meteor show in mid-December. With up to 150 meteors per hour, the Geminids are considered the richest stream of the year. The peak of the activity is reached on 14 December  at 14 CET., so the nights of 13-14 December and 14-15 December are best for shooting star hunting. more

On 14/12/2022: HdA reaches out to pupils in particular. more

Every year in mid-November the Earth crosses the path of comet 55P/Temple-Tuttle on its orbit around the Sun. Particles of the comet collide with the Earth's atmosphere and produce shooting stars. The number of meteors is quite low with 10 to 15 per hour, but among them are often very bright shooting stars. In 2022 there could also be a second meteor shower. more

On October 25 at noon, the Moon passes in front of the Sun - a partial solar eclipse takes place. The event lasts about two hours and can be seen from almost all of central Europe under clear skies. Observatories at many locations will invite you to observe this celestial event. In addition, you can follow the eclipse via livestream on the Internet. more