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

On 7th October 2022, 7:00 pm in the Haus der Astronomie: lecture with musical recordings more

HdA is reorganising, as Carolin Liefke joins HdA managing scientist Markus Pössel in setting the future course of Haus der Astronomie and in managing day-to-day affairs. more

Public event on 12 July 2022, at 8:00 p.m. in the HdA auditorium (Fully booked! Live stream available.) more

On 30 and 31 May 2022 the Earth passes a stripe of comet material more

In the early morning hours of May 16, 2022, a cosmic spectacle will be visible: the full Moon will be completely immersed in the shadow of the Earth and a total lunar eclipse will take place. Unfortunately, in Germany the Moon is just setting and the sky is already quite bright at the beginning of the total eclipse. Observers will therefore only be able to watch a partial eclipse low above the southwest horizon. more

The Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) is pleased to announce the call for proposals for the Teaching Teachers Pilot Project, which enables our National Astronomy Education Coordinators (NAECs), together with a local teacher and astronomer, to apply for a grant to support a pilot astronomy teacher training and development workshop. more