Astronomical Society Urania Wiesbaden
The Astronomical Society Urania e. V. Wiesbaden is the astronomical society in Wiesbaden that operates the Wiesbaden observatory . It was founded in November 1925 by the astronomer Franz Kaiser together with Wiesbadener Sternfreunde , making it one of the oldest associations of its kind in Germany.
history
The development of the astronomical association is closely linked to the personality of its founder. Kaiser, a native of Wiesbaden, completed in Heidelberg with a degree in astronomy and discovered as a research assistant at the local observatory 21 minor planets, one of which he named two of his hometown: Wisibada and Mattiaca .
As with all astronomical associations, the instrumental equipment of the Wiesbaden Society, named after Urania , had a significant influence on the association's work. During the first decades, the Urania had a powerful refractor at the Oranienschule observatory . As a result of the last turmoil of the war, the Orange School observatory was destroyed and the association's work came to a standstill. Observation work could not be resumed until 1954, after the observatory dome had been restored. After Franz Kaiser led the fortunes of Urania for more than 36 years, he died in the spring of 1962.
In 1967 the activity at the observatory was increased again with the acquisition of a new 30 cm Maksutow mirror telescope. In addition to the usual observation evenings, lectures and seminars, there were also astronomical weeks and major events that were supposed to win new friends for astronomy. The cooperation with the Volkshochschule Wiesbaden (VHS) became ever closer. In 1974, Urania had the opportunity to move into a new observatory, which was built in the course of the construction of the new upper secondary school at Moltkering ( Martin-Niemöller-Schule ).
Due to the large number of events and activities, the usable space in the observatory reached its limits. For this reason, Urana built a small new building in 1984 directly opposite the current entrance to the observatory on the school grounds. In 1992 a new high-performance refractor with a 206 mm aperture and 1575 mm focal length was purchased.
activities
Urania has made the maintenance and promotion of astronomy and celestial science its main task. In addition to the traditional astronomical week, visitors can take part in observations and lectures several times a week. In addition to the usual events and special tours (for interested groups, clubs, school classes, etc.), major events were also initiated. Urania was the organizer of the Wiesbaden Astronomy Fair in 1985 and 1987 , with many exhibitors from Germany and abroad.
The Wiesbaden observatory is visited by around 2500 visitors every year, the Urania has around 100 members (as of 2008).