Uncertainty looms over the approaching observatory anniversary, as unspecified issues cast a shadow.

On Sunday, September 7, the Astronomical Station Rostock, a landmark that has been inspiring stargazers since its opening in 1965, will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The event, open to all citizens of Rostock, will take place at Nelkenweg 6 from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

The day's activities include a total lunar eclipse observation from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. If the skies are clear, the telescope dome will be opened for visitors to get a closer look at this celestial event. The Planet Garden will also be open, offering visitors a chance to admire the diversity of our solar system.

In addition to the lunar eclipse observation, there will be three lectures on the current starry sky, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. A lecture on the aurora borealis will also be presented, providing insights into this mesmerising natural phenomenon.

The Planetarium, with its 25 seats, is much too small for daily school operations. To modernise school lessons, a new planetarium projector, costing around 100,000 euros, is needed. However, there is no available information about the current status of funding for this project.

The observatory building, despite its historical significance, requires a comprehensive renovation, which is still pending. In the past, the observatory was closed for six months due to urgent repair work. Unfortunately, the sanitary facilities and the observatory itself are not barrier-free, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users.

Despite these challenges, the Astronomical Station Rostock is looking forward to celebrating its anniversary with the citizens of Rostock. The event aims to bring the community together to celebrate the birthday of the observatory and to inspire a new generation of stargazers.

Admission to the event is free on this special day, making it an opportunity not to be missed. So, mark your calendars and join us on September 7 for a night of astronomy, learning, and community spirit at the Astronomical Station Rostock.