Universitätssternwarte Pfaffenwald

Gazing up at the striking green dome of the Universitätssternwarte Pfaffenwald, one might wonder about the secrets held within. This unique observatory, nestled in Stuttgart’s Vaihingen district, has a rich history. The Universitätssternwarte Pfaffenwald began its celestial journey in 1934. It wasn’t part of the university then. It was the brainchild of Hermann Fellmeth, a manufacturer, who built it alongside his Pfaffenhof estate. Imagine the tranquility of the Pfaffenwald back then, before the university campus existed, offering pristine observing conditions. Fellmeth equipped his private observatory with two impressive telescopes: a Cassegrain and a Schupmann Medial. The latter is actually the oldest existing Schupmann Medial telescope, a fascinating piece of astronomical history you can still see today within the Universitätssternwarte Pfaffenwald. After Fellmeth’s death in 1948, the observatory faced an uncertain future. The building fell into disrepair. There was even talk of demolition, with the telescopes destined for a museum. Luckily, in 1972, a generous donation saved the Universitätssternwarte Pfaffenwald. It became part of the University of Stuttgart, under the condition that it be restored and opened to the public. The Universitätssternwarte Pfaffenwald’s circular, four-story structure stands about 10 meters tall. Its exterior spiral staircase and that prominent green dome make it instantly recognizable. The observatory even played a small role in student life. Before the university cafeteria opened in 1977, the lower floors served as student lounges and event spaces. The renovation, aided by Zeiss, brought the observatory back to life. The historical telescopes, though superseded in image quality by modern instruments, remain functional. In 1977, the Arbeitskreis Astronomie, a university astronomy group, began regular observations. A photo lab was added in 1994, upgraded in 2010 to accommodate advances in astrophotography. While the encroaching student residences create light pollution, hindering deep-sky observations, the Universitätssternwarte Pfaffenwald still serves as a valuable teaching tool and public observatory. Its enduring legacy connects us to the passion of a private stargazer and the dedication of a university committed to sharing the wonders of the cosmos.