Astmesse

Astmesse is a term used in German-speaking regions to denote a trade fair or exhibition dedicated to astronomy, astrophysics, and space technology. The name derives from the German words Ast (star) and Messe (fair). In practice, an Astmesse typically brings together telescope and instrumentation manufacturers, science centers, universities, research institutes, astronomy clubs, and retailers to showcase products, services, and research developments.

Events are usually held in conference centers or exhibition halls and may run over one or more days. Typical activities include product displays, live demonstrations of telescopes and detectors, talks and panel discussions by scientists and educators, educational workshops, and planetarium or night-sky programs. Many Astmesse also feature hands-on activities for beginners, beginner-friendly lectures on observing techniques, and opportunities for networking among professionals and amateurs.

Impact and role: Astmessen serve as public outreach and industry marketplaces, supporting consumer education, professional collaboration, and cross-sector exchange between academia, industry, and hobbyists. They complement other science festivals and astronomical societies by providing a centralized venue for introductions to new equipment and research trends.

Variations and terminology: The exact format, scale, and program vary between events and regions; not every German-speaking event uses the term Astmesse. Some fairs may adopt different names while maintaining a similar focus on astronomy and space science.

See also: Astronomy fair, Science festival, Planetarium.