Max Planck Institute for Astronomy - Annual Report 2005

Fig. V.2.3: Stefan Hanke explains the principles of interferometry
to visitors of the LBT laboratory.
In various areas the visitors could obtain astronomical
background information. For instance, the importance
of multi-color surveys for analyzing the large-scale
structure of the Universe was illustrated. Numerous attractive
astronomical pictures displayed on the walls of
the Institute continued to trigger conversations between
visitors and MPIA staff. In addition to the presentation
of actual projects of the MPIA in the fields of stellar and
planet formation or galaxies and cosmology, basic astronomical
knowledge was also imparted. Besides films and
an all-day lecture series, the visitors had the chance to
learn something about our immediate cosmic neighborhood
via three planet trails. One of these trails was also
part of the diverse children’s program which playfully
illustrated astronomical and physical terms both indoors
and outdoors. In addition to simple physical experiments
and a presentation of the starry sky with the help of planetarium
software, the kids were able to build and launch
water rockets or use amateur telescopes to make simple
observations of the sun. Finally, the visitors were offered
insight to the operating principle of a professional telescope
at the 70 cm reflector located in the eastern dome
of the Elsässer Laboratory.
Here, in the Elsässer Laboratory, there was also an opportunity
to learn about the editing of the journal »Sterne
und Weltraum«. Moreover, those whose thirst for knowledge
was great could purchase astronomical books and
journals or carry on conversations with MPIA employees
about apprenticeships and practical trainings offered at
the Institute, or find out how one becomes an astronomer.
Fig. V.2.4: For a special tour, prominent guests are greeted by
Mathias Voss (left) and Klaus Jäger in front of the main entrance.
At right: Eckart Würzner, responsible for environmental
affairs within the council of Heidelberg.
V.2 Open House at V.X the MPIA Titel 113
Many visitors may have been surprised to learn that the
MPIA not only trains physics students, but also offers
apprenticeships in skilled trades and in the technical and
administrative field. In an astro-quiz, the visitors could
prove their astronomical knowledge and win attractive
prizes. More than 400 visitors participated in the quiz.
However, our guests not only had the opportunity to
satisfy their intellectual cravings; their physical needs
were also cared for by means of lots of hot dogs, cakes
and beverages.
A sneak preview took place before the actual open
house. Two days beforehand, we presented some highlights
to 30 invited guests from social and political
circles on a special tour. Like the visitors of the main
event, these guests were quite impressed. With such a
successful outcome, everybody at the Institute agrees that
– despite the huge amount of work required – it should
not be another eight years before the next Open House
is held again.
(Klaus Jäger)