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New drilling in Commerau: Scientists are looking for the perfect place!
The German Center for Astrophysics is planning new drillings in Bautzen for an underground laboratory to research cosmic gravitational waves.
New drilling in Commerau: Scientists are looking for the perfect place!
The German Center for Astrophysics (DZA) is pulling out all the stops and is planning a new test drilling for its ambitious underground laboratory in Lusatia. This passionate initiative aims to optimally explore the possibilities for studying cosmic gravitational waves. As Sächsische.de reports, the fifth borehole will be in Commerau, about one kilometer north of the town, near a former landfill take place.
So far, the first two wells in Cunnewitz and Hoske have already been successfully completed. The next two are about to be implemented in Miltitz and Crosta. It is planned that the drilling in Commerau will play a crucial role in the overall project. Please note that the area is part of a bird sanctuary, which requires special precautions.
Progress in Wittichenau
Meanwhile, the drilling in Wittichenau has already reached a remarkable 84 meters in the granodiorite massif. Construction manager Johannes Müller from Pruy KG explains that the goal is a final depth of 250 meters within the next two months. After the work is completed, measuring devices will be installed so that the first values will be available as early as August 2025, according to [Wirtschaft-in-Sachsen.de](https://www.wirtschaft-in-sachsen.de/de/abgleiten-in-die-geschichte-bohrloch-bei-hoske-soll-250-meter-tief- Werden/).
Project manager Katharina Henjes-Kunst emphasizes how important a quiet location is for the underground laboratory. Sources of interference such as traffic and wind farms must be avoided at all costs to ensure a clean environment for research. The further test drilling in Thonberg near Kamenz is also intended to specifically analyze the effects of wind turbines at a depth of 200 meters.
A research center in Lusatia
The plan to establish a large research center in Lusatia is becoming increasingly clear. It is undisputed that this initiative takes place deep underground, where seismological calm is most pronounced. This is underlined by Tag24.de, which points to the use of a gravimeter that is the size of a drinks crate and allows measurements without major logistical challenges.
The measurements are taken at a distance of 400 meters and are designed so that they do not affect any areas or buildings. With its investigations, the DZA is pursuing the ultimate goal of penetrating deeper into the secrets of space and taking a significant step in research with the planned “Einstein Telescope”.
The decision on where the telescope will ultimately be located is expected around 2027. In addition to Lusatia, the border triangle of Germany - Belgium - the Netherlands and a former mine in Sardinia are in the running for this prestigious location. Professor Christian Stegmann's view of major projects for a free Europe is being reinforced by domestic actors such as Maik Hübschmann and Mayor Markus Posch as a positive signal for the region.