Lange Nacht der Astronomie

Observe, marvel, experience—discover the universe with the nationwide Long Night of Astronomy!

The Berlin Planetarium Foundation, theAstronomical Society, theAssociationofGerman-Speaking Planetariums, theAssociation of Stargazers, andtheFederal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), together with numerous planetariums, public observatories, and astronomical institutes from all over Germany, invite you to experience astronomical research, sky observations such as the solar eclipse and the peak of the Perseids, and exciting activities related to astronomy live on August 12, 2026.

The Program at the Zeiss Grand Planetarium

The program organized by the Berlin Planetarium Foundation will take place at the Zeiss Grand Planetarium and in the outdoor area. Look forward to a free program for the whole family featuring astronomical highlights: Experience full-dome shows in the planetarium, live broadcasts of the solar eclipse, exciting lectures, and interactive hands-on activities with telescopes, craft stations, and the INTENSE mobile planetarium.

In addition to the solar eclipse, another fascinating celestial spectacle awaits you: the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

Program Overview: 

At the Planetarium 

5:15 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.: Short astronomical programs 
(in the planetarium auditorium)
**For the fulldome shows in the planetarium auditorium, free reserved-seat tickets must be picked up 30 minutes before the start of each show at the ticket counter in front of the Zeiss Grand Planetarium.*** 

5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.: INTENSE – The Mobile Planetarium 
(in front of the Zeiss Grand Planetarium)
30-minute short programs (“Cosmos on Tour” & “Life on the ISS” alternating)
***Tickets are distributed directly in front of the mobile planetarium.***

Live Solar Eclipse 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Experience the solar eclipse live – Live stream of the solar eclipse 
(LED wall in the foyer)

7:00–9:00 p.m.:Official live broadcastof the Long Night of Astronomy 
(in the movie theater) 

Sky Observations 

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.: Live observations 
(behind the Zeiss Grand Planetarium)

• Starting at 9:30 p.m.: Observation targets throughout the night
• Starting at 10:00 p.m.: Observations of the Perseids 
• Starting at 11:30 p.m.: Observations of Saturn above the rooftops

Lectures & Workshops 

5:00 p.m. – midnight: Astronomy lectures & workshops
(in the club room)

• “MissionMMX”
  5:00–6:00 p.m. with Dr. Matthias Grott, German Aerospace Center (DLR)
• “MissionBepiColombo”
  6:00–7:00 p.m. with Dr. Hauke Hußmann, German Aerospace Center (DLR)
• Lighting Roundtable & Lecture on Light Pollution
  7:00–8:00 p.m. with Caroline Vibrandt, Vibrandt Lighting Design
• Experience the Solar Eclipse Live – Live Stream of the Solar Eclipse 
  8:00–9:00 p.m. 
• “AnOverview ofGravity”
  9:00–10:00 p.m. with Prof. Markus Bautsch, Berlin University of Applied Sciences
• Community Groups in Dialogue: Presentation and Citizen Science
  11 p.m. – midnight 

Hands-On & Accompanying Program 

5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.: Food and beverage offerings
(in and around the Zeiss Grand Planetarium)

5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Crafts for children
(behind the Zeiss Grand Planetarium)

5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: Cosmic Wheel of Fortune
(in front of the Zeiss Grand Planetarium)

5 p.m.–1 a.m.: Astronomy Mile 
(behind the Zeiss Grand Planetarium)
Astronomy institutions, associations, and clubs will introduce themselves and their work.

5 p.m. – 1 a.m.: MobileExhibition“The Big Bangon theMove”*
(in front of the Zeiss Grand Planetarium)
In this mobile exhibition, visitors experience an exciting journey through time from the Big Bang to the present day and learn how science has revolutionized our understanding of the universe. 
*“Big Bang on the Move” is a mobile exhibition developed by Netzwerk Teilchenwelt in collaboration with Weltmaschine at DESY in Hamburg, as well as experts in particle physics and science education from TU Dresden.

You can find all participating institutions and nationwide events atwww.lange-nacht-der-astronomie.de 
 

Image © SPB | Design: Ta-Trung