Whispers of cosmic secrets linger here at the Sternwarte Dresden. This is not just one observatory but two, both linked to the former research institute of Manfred von Ardenne. The older Sternwarte Manfred von Ardenne, built in 1956, is on Weisser Hirsch. It reopened to the public in 2007.
Manfred von Ardenne had a strong interest in astronomy. Alexander Frantz created the Sternwarte for him after his return from the Soviet Union. Ardenne made the building accessible to the public and it was also known as Volkssternwarte.
Inside the rotating dome, a fluorescent replica of the winter sky awaits. Guests can experience the night sky even on cloudy days. The Sternwarte closed in 1997 for needed repairs. It reopened on Manfred von Ardenne’s 100th birthday after a year of reconstruction. The Von Ardenne GmbH, located on the same grounds, funded the restoration. Teachers from the Martin-Andersen-Nexö-Gymnasium now manage it.
The Sternwarte’s Zeiss refractor is quite rare. Carl Zeiss in Jena built it between 1909 and 1911. Experts consider it a true find, as only six such devices exist. The Ardenne refractor features an E-objective. It is a classic Fraunhofer achromat for color correction with an aperture ratio of 1:15.
Until its restoration, a mechanical clockwork automatically tracked the refractor. Its accuracy allowed for both visual observation and astrophotography. During the 2006-2007 restoration, an electronic stepper motor replaced the clockwork.
A second, private Sternwarte was built in 1969. It sits near the von Ardenne family home in Oberloschwitz. Light conditions at the Plattleite site prompted its construction. Johannes Bauer designed its steel structure on a reinforced concrete base. Werner Bauch created the garden terrace around it. This Sternwarte also houses a Zeiss refractor. However, it remains private and is not open to the public.
The Sternwarte Dresden accommodates up to 20 people in its dome. Regular evening tours last 45 minutes and special events are organized. Interested in visiting? Contact them by phone or email. The address is Plattleite 27, 01324 Dresden.
Manfred von Ardenne’s work after World War II enabled him to establish a large private research institute. His passion for astronomy led to the creation of the Sternwarte in 1956. It became a “Volkssternwarte,” open to all. Today, the Sternwarte continues to inspire. It offers a glimpse into the universe. Its historical significance and dedication to public education make it a unique treasure. It is a testament to one man’s passion for the stars.