Get to know the Milky Way galaxy and Moon in our observatory

Experience the universe in our observatory. Learn more about the Sun, other planets, the Moon, the stars and distant galaxies. Observe sun spots, gigantic gas eruptions on the Sun and find out how solar winds and space weather develop. And, if it gets too crowded in our observatory, there are other telescopes on the rooftop terrace you can peer through to immerse yourself in the infinity of space.

Twice a month, the observatory also opens for you in the evening. Then you can use the large telescope in the all-sky dome to travel to the moon, planets and distant galaxies and observe the starry sky. If the weather is bad, we will put together an exciting alternative program for you. Sign up and join us!

The video is in German

The all-sky dome

Our all-sky dome is something special. When it opens, you can see the entire sky, not just a piece of it through a small split like you would in a conventional telescope dome. Our dome has a diameter of 6.5 meters and is built of glass fiber shell segments. There are only three of these structures of this size and design worldwide.

The telescopes

You can observe sunspots, gas eruptions and the regions where the solar winds originate with our refracting telescope. Beautiful images of celestial objects can be produced using the reflecting telescope, a sensitive camera and special filters. A solar telescope specially developed for us shows live images of the sun, and, weather permitting, other telescopes on the rooftop terrace are available to visitors.

Do you already know our moon?

A second moon now shines above Heilbronn: the two-metre sphere is an exact replica of the Earth’s satellite. You can not only see its craters and bumps, but also feel them.

Barrier-free

Our observatory is completely barrier-free. The stairs to the telescopes are equipped with stair lifts.
Important: There is an upper limit of 225 kilos total weight at the observatory. To make sure that your wheelchair fits into the observatory, please call our information service in advance: +49 (0) 7131 88795 – 0.

Further information on a barrier-free visit to experimenta can be here.