Star lovers invite you to Astronomy Day in Scheeßel

Friends join local stars for a nationwide Astronomy Day on October 1. Those interested can use the telescopes in Scheeßel.

Scheeßel – Cassiopeia, Dumbbell Nebula, Moon Crossing: When Ronny Häntzschel and Christian Harder’s engraver shop, the average person only understands the station. What the two would like to share with others sounds great, as they are reviving the tradition of “Astronomy Day”, which last happened in 2018 and attracted an average of 20-30 visitors at Scheeßel.

This puts two astronomy buffs in good international company, as the event is a global campaign by “VdS”, the Star Friends Society. This year’s theme is “Fantastic Moon Worlds in the Solar System”. “In addition to Jupiter’s four moons, we hope to show visitors the moons of Uranus,” Harder explains. Jeersdorfer is known for his choice: Anteasers are part of the “business” to bring those interested closer to astronomy. When picturesque constellations like the “Owl Cluster” become visible through telescopes at 40 to 400x magnification, the excitement sparks excitement for many.

So it began with Ronnie Huntschill – the guy from Lauenbrook who allowed himself to be “infected” by Harder at a like-minded informal meeting in 2007. The latter had already smelled a fuse on a school trip to the planetarium at the age of eleven – and she Hobby did not allow him to go to this day.

Transferring that enthusiasm is the focus on October 1st from 8pm. With three telescopes, some self-made, the two are on site at the Ruhlohkampweg/Finteler Weg corner near Melkhus of the Bassen – perfect location: “little light pollution in the south, where the planets are up, no cities and barely through traffic”, he raves about. . In addition, both hope for calm air, because then most of it can be seen in the evening sky. “Maybe even the Iridium or ISS corridor,” Häntzschel hopes, and Harder adds, “These aren’t stars of course, but they always make a good impression when you can use the right app to predict the exact time and place they appear.”

In addition to watching the International Space Station and the meteor stars, star friends also hope for good weather. “It always rained the last three times, but that was mostly spring,” says Häntzschel. With the new appointment, only for the second time in October, the chances will be better. It starts around 8 pm, the end of the free event is open – those who want to stay for several hours. Harder and Huntzschell discovered that “some ask amazingly detailed questions, so you can tell they’ve already dealt with the topic.” Some also brought their own telescopes or telescopes.

But newcomers are also welcome to taste the hobby, because, in addition to observing through a telescope, they also want to share their knowledge.