Max Planck Institute for Astronomy - Annual Report 2007

V.2 The “Night of Science”
For the first time in the Rhein-Neckar Region, the Night
of Science was held on November 10, 2007. Similar to
the Night of Museums that was established years ago,
more than one hundred institutes and companies in
Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Ludwigshafen opened their
doors to the public. The MPIA and the state observatory
were special attractions as usual: Just around 4000
of the total estimated 23 000 participants headed up the
Königsstuhl.
Astronomy is and remains a science that deeply fascinates
much of the population. Proof of this is the third
large event in a short period of time after the MPIA took
part in the 2005 open house and the institute participated
in the Long Night of Museums in 2006.
On November 10, 2007, the MPIA and the state observatory
presented a varied program to the public between
6 pm and 2 am. The large onslaught of visitors was
remarkable because many guests had to decline the opportunity
to addend other sessions due to the long travel
times here and back. Even the bad weather and the
sometimes pouring rain quite obviously did not stop
people from visiting the institute of astronomy.
The visitors were able to obtain an overview of modern
astronomy research at a total of 28 stations that
were spread between both institutes. Lectures, explanations
of exhibits, and demonstrations of experiments
helped us to report on scientific causes and technical
challenges. Instruments for current and future earth- and
space-based large telescopes were also explained onsite.
Films were shown and at times commented on live.
Even the youngest visitors were provided for: A specific
childrens’ program at the state observatory allowed them
to experience the fascinating universe.
One of the main attractions was the lecture series in
MPIA’s large auditorium. Black holes, distant galaxies,
extrasolar planets, and the search for life in the universe
were the subject of 10 lectures. Even the last lecture
held at one in the morning still saw the auditorium nearly
fully occupied. Great excitement was generated by
the several stations which dealt with the Large Binocular
Telescope. Practical demonstrations, for example on infrared
observations, adaptive optics, data analysis, and
space-bound observations, also were attended with great
interest.
An additional magnet for the public was the MPI
station for nuclear physics which dealt with high energy
astrophysics. Due to routine construction, the
MPIK could not open the entire building to the public.
Unceremoniously, they decided to appear as guests on
MPIA’s premises.
Sufficient informational material to take home was
also provided and each visitor had the opportunity to
purchase T-shirts, cups, or posters. Naturally, the physical
well being of our guests was also provided for.
As with similar events, the Night of Science was only
a success because of the dedication of numerous employees
– not a requirement for a Saturday night. Even
Fig. V.2.1: Full house at the MPIA during the Night of Science fed
the typically high demand for informational material.
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