Renovation of the Max Born Observatory: Donations urgently needed!

Renovation of the Max Born Observatory: Donations urgently needed!

In Germering there is currently a committed appeal to support the observatory at the Max-Born-Gymnasium (MGB). This observatory is not only an important feature of the school, but also a meeting place for astronomy enthusiasts, which is now in urgent need of modernization. The older domes date from 1969 and 1985 and show clear signs of age. The fiberglass dome of the younger observatory is particularly susceptible to the effects of the weather, which severely limits its use. The need for renovation is therefore great, and initial approaches to financing have already been initiated. A call for donations is currently being launched to secure the necessary funds of around 250,000 to 300,000 euros, which was clearly discussed in discussions with those responsible.

District Administrator Thomas Karmasin emphasized the importance of the observatory for the region in the district committee. He emphasized that the renovation and digitalization of the observatory is highly relevant for the students and the community. Initial commitments of 50,000 euros have already been made for the renovation by the CSU parliamentary group in the Bavarian state parliament, and other potential donors, such as the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation as well as the Klaus Tschira Foundation GmbH and the Citizens' Foundation for the Fürstenfeldbruck District, are also available.

Current situation and future prospects

The observatory is currently not operational because the domes cannot open and close correctly. Since the entire renovation is unlikely to begin until 2026, those responsible are now faced with the challenge of collecting enough donations. The unanimous approval of the district committee for the project also shows that the need for modernization was recognized.

A structured process is required to apply for the necessary funding. Detailed applications must be submitted to the foundations in order to secure possible funding. If it is not possible to raise sufficient donations, the district has already signaled that it would cover the costs. This means that the future of the observatory should be secured even in a worst-case scenario.

The contribution to education and science

The use of the annual budget funds plays an important role in the development of infrastructure in rural areas. In the current supplementary budget, a total of almost 91 million euros was earmarked for projects in science, research and culture. The initiative to renovate the observatory not only contributes to improving educational offerings in the Fürstenfeldbruck district, but is also an important signal of commitment to supporting science.

For all astro fans and those who want to become one, the hope remains that the renovation of the Max Born Observatory will soon allow clear skies over Germering to be observed up close again. Direct access to celestial objects such as Saturn and Jupiter is becoming conceivable again, and the dome renovation could greatly improve the astronomy experience for students and citizens - but we now need every helping hand!

Further information about observatories in Germany is available at Sterngucker.de to find where a directory of planetariums and public observatories is available.