Erich Bär (astronomer)

"Erich Bär" observatory

Erich Bär (born May 7, 1905 in Reichenbach / OL ; † January 10, 1981 in Radeberg ) was a German electrical engineer and amateur astronomer , founder and long-time director of the public observatory in Radeberg.

Life

Erich Bär's interest in astronomy was aroused at the age of 13 . As an amateur astronomer, he dedicated his entire life to the science of the stars, to astronomy. Professionally, Bär worked as an electrical engineer at the RAFENA plant in Radeberg. On September 20, 1953, he opened the first Radeberg observatory at the Felix Tower in Hüttertal together with the members of the Astronomy Section in the GDR Cultural Association . He insisted on building a larger facility. After three years of construction, it was opened on June 6, 1964 on the outskirts of Radeberg.

In the magazine Radeberger Kulturleben, Bär published the territorial astronomical information on the fixed star sky, planetary visibility and current astronomical events every month.

Up until old age he was involved in building telescopes and calculating planetary orbits . He was happy to pass on his knowledge and experience to the younger generation.

Appreciation

In recognition of his services, eight years after his death, the Radeberg public observatory was given the name "Erich Bär" on October 25, 1989. In 2014, in the year of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the current observatory, the minor planet discovered by Martin Fiedler at the Adolph Diesterweg public observatory in Radebeul was named AJ8 in 2006 with the name (319227) Erichbär .

Quotes

"For me, astronomy is not a private hobby, it is my second work in life."

"[...] then I have to say with great regret that this school greatly underestimates the importance of astronomy."

Web links

• Public observatory "Erich Bär" Radeberg

Individual evidence

1. ↑ 319227 Erichbar (2006 AJ8). JPL Small-Body Database Browser, accessed January 11, 2019 .