GAM 2016 - Day of Astronomy in Germany with approx 200 events

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Mar 13

2016

by Alexander Weis

The day of astronomy will see about 200 events on March 19th in Germany and Switzerland. For 14 years now this event is a highlight in the schedule of many observatories and groups of amateur astronomers. It is initiated and coordinated by the "Vereinigung der Sternfreunde" (VdS), the largest society of amateur astronomers in German speaking countries. The VdS also represents Astronomers Without Borders in Germany.

This year we have selected the moon (in German 'Mond' as the main topic. Whilst for regular obervers watching the moon in a telescope might not be something special this is for sure a highlight for visitors. So let's never forget the fascination we felt when we saw the moon in detail for ourselves for the first time.

If the weather conditions will support this event at that day and in the night we can expect about 30,000 visitors overall at that day. A map with all event locations can be found on our dedicated website.

Why not waiting for the official Global Astronomy Month in April? In Germany we switch to daylight saving time at the end of March so the sunset will be an hour later. To allow also families with younger vistors to enjoy the night sky we try to schedule the event prior to the switch. This was a feedback from a survey we hold every year with the organizers after the event.

We keep you posted about the results. Wish us clear skies for this day.

General website of the Vereinigung der Sternfreunde (in German)
www.sternfreunde.de and if you like to follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sternfreunde 

Dedicated website for the Day of Astronomy (Astronomietag in German)
www.astronomietag.de or per mail [email protected] 

Best wishes from Germany

Alex

(Alexander Weis, webmaster and coordinator for Astronomietag at VdS)