Beobachtungsstützpunkte

Beobachtungssternwarte, often abbreviated as Beob.-St., refers to an astronomical observation post or station. These facilities are established for the purpose of conducting scientific observations of celestial objects. Unlike major observatories with large, permanent telescopes, Beobachtungsst. can encompass a range of setups, from smaller, more mobile units to dedicated but less extensive fixed installations. The primary function remains the same: to gather data through visual or instrumental observation of the cosmos.

Historically, the term has been used for various types of astronomical observation points. In modern contexts, it might refer to a university department's dedicated observing site, a research institution's auxiliary station, or even a sophisticated amateur astronomy setup that is used for systematic data collection. The equipment at a Beobachtungsst. can vary widely, including optical telescopes of different sizes, radio telescopes, or specialized instruments for detecting other forms of electromagnetic radiation. The data collected is crucial for astronomical research, contributing to our understanding of stars, galaxies, planets, and the universe as a whole. These stations play a vital role in long-term monitoring projects, follow-up observations of transient events, and educational outreach programs.