Nuremberg Astronomical Working Group
| Nuremberg Astronomical Working Group (NAA) |
|
|---|---|
| purpose | To disseminate astronomical knowledge to the public and to contribute to astronomical research. |
| Chair: | Matthias Grater |
| Establishment date: | 1960 |
| Number of members: | 303 (March 2014) |
| Seat : | Nuremberg |
| Website: | www.naa.net |
The Nürnberger Astronomische Arbeitsgemeinschaft eV (NAA) operates the Regiomontanus observatory in Nuremberg .
The association offers tours of the sky at the observatory in Nuremberg twice a week , is the publisher of the astronomical journal Regiomontanusbote and maintains its own library with over 1,600 books and around 17 meters of shelves as well as 25 telescopes . In addition to public relations , which makes up the majority of its activities, the NAA is active in many different working groups or other groups in almost all areas of astronomy. Networks exist particularly at the local level with the Nuremberg Planetarium and at the supraregional level with other observatories.
history
The Nürnberger Astronomische Arbeitsgemeinschaft eV has existed since 1960. It initially took care of the work on variable research, but members of the NAA were also involved in public relations work at the observatory from the start. Since 1993, the operation of the observatory has been increasingly taken over by the purely voluntary members of the NAA, and in 2000 the NAA was officially commissioned by the city of Nuremberg to continue operating the observatory. Extensive renovation work was completed in 2004 and the new 60 cm main telescope in the dome was inaugurated in October 2004. Since 2006, the Nürnberger Astronomische Arbeitsgemeinschaft eV has endeavored to work closely with regional schools.
Projects
Variable star photometry
Since the NAA was founded, observing variable stars has been a major part of the association's work. Due to the deterioration in the technical equipment of the observatory, the project fell asleep until around 1995. A resumption has been in progress since July 2007, as scientific measurements again appear possible with the 60 cm main telescope. The NAA is now involved with measurements of star brightness in the context of an international research program.
Magnetometer SAM
The Nuremberg Astronomical Working Group operates a magnetometer (SAM - Simple Aurora Monitor ) on the grounds of the Nuremberg Observatory . This device measures the change in the earth's magnetic field. This enables conclusions to be drawn about solar activity and the measurements can be used to predict any auroras that may occur at short notice.
School @ NAA
The NAA supports schools with astronomical education. On the one hand in the form of special tours of the Nuremberg observatory for school classes, on the other hand through advanced training events for teachers of all types of schools. The NAA also supports students and teachers in the preparation of (specialist) work.
Star party Lillinghof
Every two years the NAA organizes a public star party at the Lillinghof glider airfield near Schnaittach , to which amateur astronomers and visitors from all over the Franconian region travel.