## Vienna Sterngarten

Sterngarten ("Star Garden") is an open-air planetarium in the south-west of Vienna, demonstrating the solar year.

#### Idea

Univ.Prof.Dr.Oswald Thomas (1882 Kronstadt - 1963 Vienna). Founder, Astronomical Bureau (1907) and Austrian Astronomical Society (1924). Director of first Vienna Planetarium (1927) and Urania observatory.

#### Construction

The Sterngarten was developed by Thomas' student and successor in the Astronomical Bureau Prof. Hermann Mucke (1935-2019) with his collaborators. Mucke was also secretary of the Austrian Astronomical Society from 1963-2018, director of Vienna planetarium 1963-2001 and Vienna Urania public observatory from 1971-2001. For more than 60 years, Mucke and the Society published the "Österreichischer Himmelskalender" (Austrian Celestial Calendar) and the monthly journal "Der Sternenbote" (The Starry Messenger).

It was built 1997-2001 by the Austrian Astronomical Society, supported by public and private sponsors.

#### Purpose

Improvement of basic astronomical knowledge in the general public. Witnessing celestial facts and changes with the unaided eye, optionally with a field glass, is offered by our installation, situated in the extreme southwest of Vienna; always open privately for everybody free of charge. Frequently guided tours.

#### Components

- Pyramid with platform 7x7m. Seen from 1.5m above Centre Plate all angles fit.
- Horizon Railing, representing the mathematical horizon.
- Surrounding Steps; 200 seats. Entrance by staircase and wheelchair ramp.
- Pillars for sunrise and sunset at beginning of the seasons. Pillar positions are right on the azimuths of equinoxes and solstices. Arms indicate horizon and shifting effect due to refraction. (Observation of rising/setting on the mathematical horizon is not possible in the field due to vegetation and landscape).
- South Pillar, marked (10°/10° altitude); Transit marks for sun at seasons' beginning.
- North Pillar, marked (10°/10° altitude); on top Shadow Disc with central hole: North celestial Pole.
- Bent Analemma, divided. Spring and summer dates on the horizontal part, autumn and winter dates on the ascending one, marked (10°/10°) solar longitude, with zodiacal signs. Ascending part serves as polar gnomon for the
- Sundial, full hours Vh to VIIh marked.
- Information panels.

#### Further Information

Websites in German only.

- Österreichischer Astronomischer Verein: https://www.astroverein.at
- German Wikipedia article on the Sterngarten

#### Model

Created by Georg Zotti following plans by H. Mucke; Like countless amateur and professional astronomers in Austria, Zotti was introduced to astronomy by Mucke in his primary school days. Mucke's spirit will remain alive in the Sterngarten.

Model created in 2010 with Google Sketchup 8, exported from Google Sketchup 8.0.14346.