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Popularizing Astronomy at Public Observatories in West Germany

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

Hans L. Neumann*
Affiliation:
Frankfurt Public Observatory and Friedrich-Dessauer-Gymnasium Bismarkstrasse 68, D-6050 Offenbach, F.R.Germany

Extract

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Based on the pedagogical ideas of A. Diesterweg, a number of science associations have been founded since about 1880 under the name of URANIA; astronomy has been one of their subjects. In the 1920–1930’s, the works of Bruno H. Bürgel and Robert Henseling initiated the founding of many more local and regional associations and of public observatories all over the country. But most of the currently active associations were founded to answer the sharp increase of general interest that followed the early successes and spectacular results of space science.

- Aims of the associations always have been manyfold:

- to share a fine hobby with like-minded people;

- to participate theoretically or practically in scientific research as far as technical and local circumstances allow;

- to offer to the public means and advice for celestial observations, and to share the joy of deep-sky wonders with guests;

- to mediate the progress, and the results of astronomical research to the public.

Type
11. Popularization
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

References

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6. Various reports in: Sterne und Weltraum. München, 1985-1988.Google Scholar