Astronomy Day was launched in 1973 by the Astronomical Association of Northern California and aims to bring astronomy closer to the public. On this special day, observatories and planetariums offer insights into research, explain celestial events, and allow interested visitors to observe the night sky for themselves. In Germany, the event has been held since 2003 and has been organized nationwide every year since then. On March 28, it’s that time again, and you can look forward to several events in Munich and the surrounding area to celebrate Astronomy Day. If you regularly look up at the sky during events like the Planet Parade or the Blood Moon, you shouldn’t miss this.
Munich Public Observatory
On Astronomy Day, the Munich Public Observatory is, of course, the number one destination. Starting at 6 p.m., you can take part in guided tours of the exhibition here every 15 minutes with free admission. Advance registration is not required, but group sizes are limited to a maximum of 30 people. So it’s worth arriving early. You ’ll learn more about our solar system, get a behind-the-scenes look at the planetarium, and finally make your way up to the rooftop terrace to the telescopes. If visibility is good, you can observe the sky; if weather conditions are poor, you’ll have to make do with vivid visual aids. You might even run into Darth Vader and his stormtroopers during your visit to the observatory.
Deutsches Museum
Even though the planetarium and the astronomy exhibition are currently closed for renovation, a visit to the Deutsches Museum on the last weekend of the month is well worth it. Your participation in Astronomy Day is already included in the museum admission price. Events here start as early as the morning. After registering, you can join various guided tours at 11 a.m. and listen to exciting lectures in the auditorium. You can also explore the special exhibition “Nocturnal Worlds” on your own and immerse yourself in the cosmos. If the weather is good, you can join the solar observations on the rooftop terrace between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Bavarian Forest Star Park
Under the motto “The Moon – Our Faithful Companion,” the Star Park in the Bavarian Forest will celebrate Astronomy Day this coming Saturday. The park is designated a “Dark Sky Reserve” because it is virtually free of light pollution. This makes for ideal conditions for observing the night sky. Learn more about the moon’s formation and its distinctive cratered landscape. Weather permitting, you can then take a look through the telescope yourself to observe the celestial body.
Berg Observatory
The observatory in the town of Berg am Starnberger See invites you to observe the sky on Astronomy Day with free admission. In the afternoon, you can look at the sun through a telescope and even spot the first stars and planets. Through solar spectroscopy, you’ll learn more about the sun’s light and how it’s analyzed. In the mini-planetarium, you’ll get a guided tour of the stars and learn more about our solar system. After dark, you’ll head back outside to observe the night sky.
