The big refractor in Potsdam: a masterpiece of astronomy history!

The big refractor in Potsdam: a masterpiece of astronomy history!

If you want to take a look at the stars, you can't avoid one place: the big refractor in Potsdam. This impressive building is not only a technical masterpiece, but also a significant testimony to the history of astronomy. The refractor was ceremoniously inaugurated on August 26, 1899 by Kaiser Wilhelm II and has since taken the eyes of generations. Today reports Denkmalschutz.de about the history and the meaning of this unique instrument.

The fascination for the celestial bodies goes back to the Bronze Age and is reflected in three millennia of technical development. A remarkable contemporary witness is the Nebra sky disk, which was found in Saxony-Anhalt and documents the early efforts to observe heaven. With progressive technology, special buildings for astronomical observations were built, many of which are now listed.

a place of science

led by Hermann Carl Vogel, the astrophysical observatory Potsdam began to work in 1874 to revolutionize astronomical research. At first, only bright stars were observed, but soon it turned out that a larger refractor was necessary to target even weaker stars. This knowledge finally led to the construction of the large refractor, the dome of which was harmoniously integrated into the architecture of the observatory. The rotating dome has an impressive diameter of 21 meters and weighs 200 tons.

The use of the refractor should not be underestimated: the two main lenses have a diameter of 80 cm and 50 cm and enable a sophisticated color correction. Technologically, the big refractor at the time of its opening was the fourth largest in the world. These outstanding technical properties made him the first address for important astronomical observations and home to the spectroscopic analysis of close double -star systems.

renovation and preservation

After years of neglect, the observation company was discontinued in 1968 and the care of the refractor decreased. But the will to maintain was strong. A support association has been committed to maintaining the large refractor and the entire facility since 1997. Thanks to extensive restoration work from 2003 to 2006, supported by various foundations and private donors, the refractor was able to open its doors again. The festive reopening took place on May 31, 2006, and since then visitors have been able to experience the refractor for guided tours and observation evenings.

The German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD) has supported more than 760 measures to promote technical monuments in the past 40 years. Thanks to these efforts, the large refractor and its environment on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam are not only historically significant, but also a lively part of today's astronomical research. In addition to the refractor, the other buildings of the site are also used for scientific and artistic purposes, which makes the Telegrafenberg a place of inspiration and learning.

All of this makes it clear: The large refractor is more than just a telescope, it is a piece of history that redefines the view of the night sky with every look into the lens. This is a good reason to make your way to Potsdam and take a look at the universe yourself.