Sonneberg Observatory

In 1924, Cuno Hoffmeister suggested to the city authorities in Sonneberg that a municipal observatory be built on a high plateau on the edge of the Sonneberg district of Neufang. In addition to scientific work, popular astronomy was to be carried out there in order to support school teaching and to boost tourism. Construction work began in the summer of 1925. The observatory was opened on the afternoon of December 28, 1925.

opening hours

Tue - Sun 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Guided tour of the observatory:
Daily at 3 p.m. (except Monday) or by appointment

Public observation of the starry sky
Every Saturday from dusk, this offer is only valid in clear weather. Please inform yourself about the weather forecast or call us by 5 p.m. whether the observation evening will take place (phone 03675 81218).

In 1924, Cuno Hoffmeister suggested to those responsible for the city of Sonneberg that they build a municipal observatory on a high plateau on the edge of the Sonneberg district of Neufang. In addition to scientific work, popular astronomy should also be practiced there to support school lessons and to stimulate tourism. Construction work began in the summer of 1925. On the afternoon of December 28, 1925, the observatory was opened.

In 1931 Prussia took over the entire observatory. The Sonneberg observatory became a department of the Berlin-Babelsberg University Observatory.

In 1938 the new main instrument of the observatory could be put into operation. The so-called "GA", a Zeiss astrograph 400/1600.

During the Second World War there was no direct war damage to the observatory.

In 1995, together with the district and the city of Sonneberg, we succeeded in developing a new concept for the observatory. A municipal association operates a research observatory, which is unique in astronomical research. In 1998 the Astronomy Museum was opened.

In the middle of 2002 it became apparent that the financing of the observatory by means of the municipality (city and district of Sonneberg) would become more and more problematic in the coming years. The company 4pi Systeme GmbH, which was founded by the employees of the observatory, took over the observatory on a long lease on 01.01.2004. Together with the Verein Astronomiemuseum e.V., the legacy of the Sonneberg astronomers is being continued and preserved.

Source: astronomiemuseum.de/sternwarte