The Wendelstein Observatory was founded at the end of the thirties of the last century for the reason of military research in radar technology. Shortly after foundation it started with scientific solar research which was intensivied after WW2 and integration in the Ludwigs Maximilians Universität . During the sixties the Observatory expanded with the Koronograph. With this equipment the research of the solar atmosphere and corona was possible. Increasing air pollution and a shifting of the scientific engagements towards night astronomy leaded to the discontinuation of scientific solar research. At the end of 1988 the time was ready: The aquisition of the 32 inch telescope made the continuing operation with sophisticated astronomical research possible.
The problem was known since years:
Staff for reparation and attendance of the antennae of the BR and cellular
phone companies at the summit needed, especially in winter, a secure access to
their exposed working spaces.
Until 2001 this was only possible by using the area and the rooms of the
Observatory. This caused interferences with the deserved rest periods of the
staff astronomers especially during early daytimes.
As a solution for this unsatisfaying situation 2001 the BR built a separate
connection tunnel at the north side of our station. During this construction
the Uni-Bauamt managed the urgent necessary expansion of the Observatory
with a new electronic laboratory, a new telescope control room and a
possibility to prepare observation instruments for their nightly mission.
The construction site at June 26th 2001 .....
..... and the finished reconstruction, 4 months later!
before |
after |
The old lea with |
a look to the electronic lab. |
The small |
electronic lab. |
email: Heinz Barwig
Last editing April 2004