In the 1960s, when the first crewed Moon landing was being promoted in the USA and the so-called “Space Age” began, a special idea emerged in Munich that would lay the foundation for today’s success story: Claus Baader (born 1924 in Schliersee, Germany), originally a journalist and photographer, founded Baader Planetarium KG together with his wife Inge Baader, driven by his love of physics and inspired by the curious questions of his son Thomas – yet not least by his foresight regarding the growing public interest in all aspects of spaceflight and celestial mechanics within the Solar System.
However, the big vision began small: as a basement company, where development, manufacturing, and assembly of the company’s first product were carried out by hand in the tiniest of spaces.
1966: The Baader School Planetarium
Patented worldwide, didactic, internationally recognized
In the very year it was founded, the first product came onto the market: the Baader School Planetarium, equipped with worldwide patents and developed as a teaching device intended to foster a deeper understanding of celestial mechanics – i.e., to do more than just “show stars.”
The Baader Planetarium has remained unchanged since 1966 and consists of a semi-transparent Ø50 cm star globe, printed identically on the inside and outside. Inside, a classically designed, electrically driven tellurium/orrery operates – a mechanical model of the Earth–Moon system that makes motions within the planetary system comprehensible. The special feature: the starry sky and the moving Earth–Moon system can be projected simultaneously – a didactic approach that made spatial relationships immediately understandable.
Many generations of teachers used the Baader School Planetarium with great enthusiasm, because as the only portable astronomical teaching device it could make the Sun-Earth-Moon system immediately understandable to students through the light-transmissive star globe illuminated from within. Students saw the Solar System through the front, transparent half of the globe in front of the correctly oriented, dark starry sky, since the rear half of the globe reflects the light. Numerous auxiliary constructions – among them various comet orbits – were built by enthusiastic teachers themselves; one such add-on was actually produced as a series product: the Zeuner lens, named after its inventor. It served to project the apparent motion of the Sun onto the ecliptic line of the star globe, enabling the heliocentric design of the device to also support geocentric perspectives.
The Baader Planetarium did not go unnoticed: in 1967, Harvard astronomer Owen Gingerich praised the solution in Sky & Telescope as “the most ingenious orrery ever produced in series.” In the decades that followed, more than 15,000 devices were used at schools and universities worldwide—and the name Baader Planetarium became well known in the world of astronomical education.
1968: The “big brother” – the Baader Giant Planetarium
A masterwork of craftsmanship
Only a short time later, the School Planetarium gained a big brother: the Baader Giant Planetarium . It was designed as a museum-grade orrery – including playable instructional lectures – and set mechanical benchmarks: nine planets moved around a model Sun on accurately mounted and finely geared orbits up to 1.2 m in size. Each planet received its own highly complex precision gearbox and a stepper motor; even the moons known at the time moved along at the correct orbital speeds.
Surrounding this system was a motor-driven celestial sphere with a diameter of 1.3 m. The effort involved was accordingly substantial: the Giant Planetarium was handcrafted – a horologically and technically extremely demanding masterpiece, delivered in small numbers to universities and museums worldwide. However, the extremely elaborate mechanical complexity and the resulting price prevented serial production.
Among the locations where this last large so-called orrery was in operation for years were the Deutsches Museum and the University of Bamberg, as well as schools and other museums, and Qatar University (with one device each for the separately run girls’ and boys’ universities).
From 1970: Construction of projection domes
Materials expertise and first milestones
With the success of the educational planetariums, expectations for presentation grew: from 1970 onward, Baader Planetarium began manufacturing its own projection domes made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP). This made it possible, for the first time, to show the unique didactic projection of the Baader Planetarium starry sky together with the visible orbit of Earth and Moon in a spherically correct representation. This is where the Zeuner lens in particular came into use, because it also allowed the Sun’s path along the ecliptic to be shown in projection at the same time.
Another major milestone followed in 1978: in that year, a 10-meter projection dome was produced for Carl Zeiss and installed at the Oberkochen factory. This made one thing clear: the company could not only build precision mechanical systems, but also realize large-format, installation-intensive dome structures.
1972 as a turning point: market changes and strategic expansion
In the internal chronicle, 1972 is considered a pivotal year. The Moon flights were discontinued – and this changed the environment in which many “space products” had previously enjoyed special attention. For Baader Planetarium, this meant: the product portfolio had to be rethought. Decisive in this was the customer base that had been established, especially in the education sector, with several thousand schools and universities.
Celestron distribution in Germany and the Middle East:
Based on this customer base, Baader Planetarium took over from the company Vehrenberg the distribution of Celestron telescopes for the German educational supply market and was able to significantly increase Celestron’s brand awareness in a short time. At the same time, Celestron/USA also began searching worldwide for distributors for its revolutionary Schmidt-Cassegrain optics. Through the mediation of Dr. Hans Vehrenberg (✝ 1991), Claus Baader was offered by Celestron/USA management the Celestron distributorship for the entire Middle East. Thus, Baader Planetarium became one of the first distributors for Celestron outside Europe and subsequently underwent rapid growth in the telescope market in the German-speaking countries and the Middle East.
Dome production – learning through practice:
As an additional pillar – also because GRP projection domes were no longer being ordered in sufficient quantities – Claus Baader looked for other suitable representations and traveled, among other places, to Observa Dome in the USA, which at the time was promoting its first in-house 3 m GRP dome. Very soon, however, Observa Dome switched to aircraft aluminum as a material, using a special welding technique. In the years up to 1989, a larger number of Observa Dome domes were sourced under exclusive representation and delivered in Europe – including a 16.5 m dome to the ESO in Chile (1984).
This period was extraordinarily instructive and often accompanied by painful experiences – especially regarding the problems that can arise with metal domes. This was already, from 1977 onward, the decisive reason behind the decision to expand the existing production of GRP projection domes into a production line for rotatable observatory dome structures.
The initial spark came in 1979: a firm order for one 8 m and one 3 m metal dome in Iran near Qom absolutely had to be fulfilled. However, American products became impermissible overnight as a result of the Islamic Revolution in what was then “Persia” – unfortunately also a severe blow to Observa Dome in the USA. For Baader Planetarium, this created a dramatic race against time virtually overnight: within just a few months, both domes had to be fully developed and produced in GRP, including mold making and all mechanical components. The order was delivered on schedule, and both domes are still in service to this day at an altitude of approx. 3,000 m. Ultimately, it was the forced beginning of continuous production of observation domes from 2 to 8.5 meters, and at the same time a stark signal of how strongly international projects can depend on political conditions.
From 1978: In-house observatory domes
Rising to an international reference
As early as around 1978 Baader Planetarium began making molds for a 2.1 m observation dome made of glass-fiber composite material. From 1979 (see above), a series of 3.2 m domes was developed – partly in true pioneering work – and delivered from 1980 onward.
An early major project was the 1984 installation of an 8 m observation dome for the Gregory Telescope at the Izaña Observatory on Tenerife. In the mid-1980s, further international steps followed: at the Skinakas Observatory on Crete, a 3.2 m dome was first installed from 1986 onward; in 1997 an 8 m dome followed (there are now four domes there, the newest from 2025). The site is highly exposed to extreme wind speeds, seismic vibrations, and lightning strikes – an excellent test site for absolutely challenging design conditions.
By the end of the 1980s, Baader domes were in use at numerous schools, universities, public observatories, and research institutions worldwide.
Conclusion: craftsmanship, curiosity, and consistency
The early years of Baader Planetarium are characterized by a clear pattern: technical curiosity, didactic ambition, and comprehensive workshop practice that never shied away from complex tasks. From the patented School Planetarium to the Giant Planetarium as a masterpiece of precision mechanics, and on to projection and observatory domes, this laid the foundation for an international field of activity that continues to shape the company to this day.
The years and technical details mentioned are based on contemporary documents as well as internal records and eyewitness reports from within the company.
To find out what happened next, please visit our timeline:
How did a small basement workshop in Munich become an internationally recognized name in astronomical education? This retrospective highlights Baader Planetarium’s early milestones—from the patented School Planetarium and the highly complex Giant Planetarium to the first projection and observatory domes. A story of craftsmanship, didactic vision, and determined progress between 1966 and 1980.
In this article we will take a brief look at some astronomical events that will take place during 2026
Equinoxes and Solstices
Equinoxes and solstices are events linked to our Earth’s orbit around the Sun and which mark changes of the seasons with each occurring twice every year. The winter solstice occurs when the Sun is lowest in the sky northern hemisphere in December, which is the shortest day and the other, the summer solstice, when its highest in June and is the longest day. In March and September, there are two equinoxes where the lengths of day and night are similar. The dates of the equinoxes and solstices for 2026 are:
- March 20 – Spring Equinox: Takes place at 15:46 CET and marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
- June 21 – Summer Solstice: Takes place at 10:24 CEST and marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
- September 23 – Autumn Equinox at 02:05 CEST: Marks the first day of autumn in the northern hemisphere.
- December 21 – Winter Solstice: Takes place at 21:50 CET. For us in the northern hemisphere, it marks the beginning of winter.
Meteor Showers and Other Wide-Field Phenomena
Meteors, or shooting stars, are bright streaks of light you see in the sky when a space rock (meteoroid) enters our Earth’s atmosphere and burns up. Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through streams of debris left behind by comets and asteroids. The peak of a meteor shower is when we see the highest rate of meteors which happens as we pass through the densest part of the debris stream. Observing meteors or meteor showers requires nothing more than your eyes, maybe a comfortable chair or lounger and a warm blanket or hot water bottle for those long periods out under the stars waiting for a meteor to appear. Further information on meteor showers can be found here: VdS Meteor Working Group.
Below we list a selection of meteor showers that can be seen during 2026.
| Meteor Shower | Activity Dates | Maximum Date | Hourly rate(approx) | Moon phase |
| Quadrantids | 28 Dec-12 Jan | 3/4 January | 120 | Full moon |
| Lyrids | 14-30 April | 22/23 April | 18 | ~30% full waxing crescent |
| Eta Aquariids | 19 Apr - 28 May | 6 May | 40 | ~84% full waning gibbous |
| Perseids | 17 July-24 Aug | 13 August | 100 | New moon |
| Draconids | 6-10 October | 9 October | 10 | ~2% illuminated waning crescent |
| Orionids | 2 Oct-7 Nov | 21 October | 20 | ~80% full waxing gibbous |
| Leonids | 6-30 November | 18 November | 15 | ~45% full |
| Geminds | 4-20 December | 14 December | 120 | 21% full waxing crescent |
Apart from meteors other wide-field phenomena are the aurora and the glowing noctilucent clouds (NLC) that can be seen at northerly latitudes from late spring to late summer. There are many websites such as SpaceWeather.com and social media groups who regularly report latest events and sightings.
The Sun and Solar Eclipses
Our Sun
Our nearest star continued to be active in 2025 with many sunspots and sunspot groups as well as auroral displays being observed the photographed. Although the Sun has moved through the peak of its solar cycle, it should still produce frequent sunspots and sunspot groups, heightened solar activity, and dazzling auroras during the coming year. So 2026 is still a great time to study our dynamic and active Sun.
Never forget that extreme caution and the use of suitable, safe solar filters are imperative when observing or photographing the sun. When it comes to the sun, safety must ALWAYS come first: NEVER look at the sun without a suitable solar filter! Solar observation is dangerous and can permanently damage eyes or cameras. Always use a suitable sun filter!
To safely study the Sun visually or photographically (and to view the August solar eclipse), Baader Planetarium offers a range of safe solar accessories.
Their extremely popular visual and photographic AstroSolar film available in different sizes allows you to build your own filter holder to suit your equipment.
They also offer a range of different sized ready-made filters that use their AstroSolar film to fit camera lenses, binoculars, spotting scopes to large telescopes. You can find out more about their solar accessory range here: https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/solar.html
Another way to safely observe or image the Sun safely is with the MK II Baader 2" Cool-Ceramic Safety Herschel Prism which you attach to your refracting telescope and which is available in visual and photographic variants. The Baader Herschel wedge allows you to use high magnifications for detailed up-close views of sunspots, sunspot groups and solar granulation. It is a versatile unit allowing a range of different telescope- and eyepiece-side adaptations.
Before you set up your solar equipment for viewing the Sun a good online resource where you can check the Solar activity is the GONG website, which uses real-time data from a range of solar observatories around the world which show the Sun in different wavelengths.
Solar Eclipse - 12th August 2026
The astronomical highlight of 2026 for many amateur astronomers is likely to be the solar eclipse that takes place on the evening of Wednesday 12th August. From Germany the solar eclipse will be a partial event. For those who want to see this as a total solar eclipse you will have to travel as the path of totality which runs from western Iceland down the Atlantic ocean to the west of the Ireland. The total eclipse path will then cross the northern coastline of Spain from the west of Bilbao and down the central region of Span to the south east coast including Valencia and then towards the island of Palma.
For those who will stay in Germany for this event, the maximum obscuration of the Sun by the Moon for some locations across Germany is given below.
- Hamburg/Berlin ~85%
- Dusseldorf/Frankfurt/Munich ~88%
- Stuttgart ~89%
From Munich the eclipse will begin around 1823 CEST. At this time our Sun will be around 10 degrees above the western horizon. Maximum eclipse is at 1915 CEST and the Sun will be just under 2 degrees above the horizon at this time with sunset occurring around 15 minutes later. To see or image the eclipse you will have to find a location with a low and flat horizon. However the low altitude at time of maximum eclipse may make for a fantastic landscape or city-scape photograph!
You can see how much of the Sun will be covered and the times of the start and end of the eclipse for your location using the interactive eclipse map: http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2026_GoogleMapFull.html.
You can also read our article of this and other upcoming eclipses for the next few years visible from Europe here.
Solar Eclipses in Spain – 2026, 2027 and 2028 18. June 2025 - For years now our colleagues have been hunting for the next Solar eclipse in the most remote places of the World. Please review our previous blog posts on AstroSolar.com, for example: 2015: Solar Eclipse Adventrue… Weiter lesenWhen observing or imaging a partial solar eclipse (or partial phase of a total solar eclipse), extreme caution must be exercised and always use a suitable, safe solar filter. When it comes to the sun, safety must ALWAYS come first: NEVER look at the sun without a suitable solar filter! Solar observation is dangerous and can permanently damage eyes or cameras. Always use a suitable solar filter!
To observe this partial solar eclipse (or partial eclipse phases of the total solar eclipse) safely, Baader Planetarium offer their CE/ISO certified silver/gold solar eclipse viewer glasses that you wear like glasses. These wearable solar viewers block 99.999% of the sun and offer 100% UV- and IR- protection. These are now available in 3 different cardboard-frame designs.
The new [product sku="2420400"] offers a safe and convenient way to observe the Sun and is perfect for viewing the eclipse in small groups. It can be attached to a telescope suitable for solar and eyepiece projection and provides clear white‑light views of sunspots and solar eclipses through its closed rear‑projection design, which eliminates the risk of anyone accidentally looking into the eyepiece or touching the solar light beam. Supplied in kit-form, it is quickly and easy assembled with full instructions supplied and a video showing its construction can be view on the product page.
If you are uncertain about any aspects for viewing or imaging the Sun or the eclipse safely and want to ask any questions or need more advice please contact one of our helpful authorized Baader Planetarium dealers who will be happy to help.
The Moon and Lunar Eclipses
Our Moon
Our moon is a regular feature in our sky as it presents us with its different phases as it orbits the Earth. Its brightness and apparent size makes it easy to find which helps make it a popular target for observation and photography for amateur astronomers of all ages and abilities. It often can get close to other objects in the sky such as planets and some deep sky objects which can be nice to view through binoculars or telescopes and make nice photo opportunities too (check out our regular monthly sky highlight articles for such events).
With the unaided eye you can see the Moon’s phases as it completes a full cycle every ~29.5 days and the light bright areas and dark (Maria) regions on the lunar disc. If your lunar curiosity goes beyond naked-eye viewing and you want to see more detail, binoculars or a telescope is required. The moon is an impressive sight, regardless of its phase, even through a small beginner telescope where you will get up-close detailed views of its craters and other surface features.
If observing the Moon is of interest, a really useful accessory to have is the Baader Double Polarizing Filter available in 1.25" and 2". This filter, which screws into the barrel of an eyepiece or telescope diagonal can reduce the Moon's glare by varying the amount of light entering the eyepiece by simply rotating one of the filter cells. This filter can make lunar observing a far more comfortable experience especially near times around full moon when it is very bright.
Here are our top 5 selections of Craters, Mares and other features you can find and see on the Moon
- Craters: Tycho, Copernicus, Aristarchus, Clavius, Grimaldi
- Mares (dark “seas”): Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Tranquillitatis, Mare Crisium, Mare Frigoris
- Other Lunar features: Hadley Rille, Vallis Alpes, Rupes Recta, Lunar Appennies, Vallis Alpes
Lunar Eclipse - August 28th 2026
A partial Lunar eclipse visible across Germany where ~94% of the Moon will be in the Earths umbral shadow. It is an early morning event starting at 0323 CEST with maximum eclipse occurring around 0612 CEST. The eclipse ends at 0901 CEST.
However the Moon sets around 0632 CEST so the maximum eclipse phase of the eclipse will only be visible for around 20 minutes low near the western horizon in the morning twilight sky. However this may make a very nice photogenic landscape or cityscape opportunity!
Overview of the Planets
A brief summary of our solar system planet visibility during 2026 is given below. We will take a closer look at the planets throughout the year in our regular monthly sky guides.
Mercury: Mercury can be difficult to observe due to its proximity to our Sun. The best times to see or image the planet being around the times of western (morning) or eastern (evening) elongations when the planet has its largest angular separation from the Sun. Below is a list of Mercury’s maximum elongation (separation):
- Greatest Western Elongations for morning views: 3 Apr / 2 Aug / 21 Nov
- Greatest Eastern Elongations for evening views: 19 Feb / 16 Jun / 12 Oct
Venus: This near Earth sized but hot and hellish climate world is visible as an evening object from the months of February until September. It is at greatest eastern elongation on 14 August and is at its brightest at magnitude -4.6 on 22 September. It then becomes a morning object from early November and it is at its brightest on 27 November at its morning apparition. It remains a morning object for the rest of the year.
Mars: The red planet is not visible until early June in the low in the eastern morning sky. It will be at opposition in February 2027. At the end of the year it rises shortly before midnight.
Jupiter: This gas giant, the largest planet in our solar system, was at opposition on 10th January. It will remain visible in the evening sky until late June when it become lost in the evening twlight. From mid-August it will become visible low in the north east in the morning before the sky brightens.
Saturn: Often considered by many to be the most beautiful planet to observe and image, the ringed planet wil be visible until early March. It will then be a morning object in May. It is at opposition on 4 October.
Uranus: Is and will remain in Taurus near the open cluster Messier 45 (the Pleiades) during 2026. It will be visible until early May and then becomes a morning object in July. It will be at opposition on 25 November.
Neptune: This outer planet will be visible until March in the evening sky and then in the morning from June onwards. Neptune will be at opposition on 25 September.
Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT) and EdgeHD telescopes are very well-regarded for observing the Planets (and our Moon) because their optical design provides a long focal length and high magnification which is required for detailed planetary and lunar viewing and imaging, in a very compact and portable package. Celestron offer SCTs from 6” up to 14” (EdgeHD from 8” to 14”) available as optical tube assemblies and on a range of mounts from manual and computerized alt-azimuth to computerized GoTo equatorial mounts.
To view the planets (and our Moon) the versatile Baader Hyperion range of 68-degree apparent field of view eyepieces are popular. They are available in fixed focal lengths from 5 mm (high magnification) to 36mm for lower (low magnification). These affordable eyepieces are popular among amateur astronomers because they have a balance between visual observing comfort and practical imaging capabilities. Their 68° apparent field of view, combined with long eye relief and excellent Phantom Group multi-coatings, give bright, high‑contrast views that work well on everything from planetary and lunar detail to deep‑sky objects too. Their modular design allows them to be easily adapted for afocal or prime‑focus projection imaging. This versatility makes the Hyperion's a strong choice for observers and imagers.
In addition to the fixed focal length models, there is a [product sku="2454826"] that gives you five clearly defined click‑stop magnifications making it a favourite for observers who want flexibility without swapping individual eyepieces. As with the fixed eyepieces, the Zoom can also be easily adapted for imaging.
Comets
Once they spread fear and terror, today they are welcome visitors in our skies: Comets are rare guests in the inner solar system and usually appear in our skies without much warning. They are "dirty snowballs" of ice and rock from the edge of the solar system that often take many centuries to orbit the sun. Only a few are therefore regularly visible in our skies; many are only discovered a few months before they come close enough and become bright enough to be seen with binoculars or even the naked eye.
Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) was only discovered in September 2025. On April 19, 2026, it will be at its closest point to the sun, and on April 26/27, it will be closest to Earth. When it passes between the orbits of Mercury and Venus at the end of April, it will be visible in the morning sky. In April, it will rapidly traverse the constellations Pegasus, Pisces, Cetus, and Taurus. It will likely remain a target for binoculars at magnitude 8. Depending on the development of the gas and dust cloud it sheds as it approaches the sun, and whether it brightens due to forward scattering of sunlight, it could even reach magnitude 3 and then be easily visible to the naked eye. Around May 1st, the bright full moon will interfere, so the last two weeks of April will be the best time to observe it.
How bright it will ultimately be is currently pure speculation, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. And who knows what other surprises await us this year?
To find out more about how this comet will develop and other comets and their visibility check out: Visual comets | astro.vanbuitenen.nl
Deep Sky Objects
The term “deep sky objects” (or DSO’s) refers to celestial objects such as galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Depending on the time of year you can see a range of these in the night sky. For example there are a lot of nebulae and star clusters to view at the moment in the winter sky. In a few months time in the Spring our night sky is mainly dominated by galaxies and we refer this period to “galaxy season”.
Here is a small selection of three popular deep sky objects to observe for each of the four seasons for beginners. They are also great targets for deep sky imaging too!
Winter
- Orion Nebula (M42)
- Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)
- Crab Nebula (M1)
Spring
- Leo Triplet (M65, M66, and NGC 3628)
- Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
- Bode's Galaxy (M81) and Cigar Galaxy (M82)
Summer
- Hercules Cluster (M13)
- Ring Nebula (M57)
- Lagoon Nebula (M8)
Autumn
- Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
- Perseus Double Cluster (NGC 869 and NGC 884)
- Great Globular Cluster in Pegasus (M15)
Each month we focus on a particular constellation and their celestial objects that are well placed for observing or imaging at that time so keep an eye out for these each month.
There are many deep sky objects that can be seen in binoculars but a telescope can help you see more detail and observe more numerous fainter targets too. Newtonian telescopes are well-suited for deep sky observing because their simple mirror-based design allows them to be manufactured at relatively low cost. You can therefore obtain large aperture telescopes which collect more light at an affordable price.
For those interested in photographing deep sky objects the Celestron SCT/EdgeHD scopes, both optical tubes as well as complete telescope+mount packages such as the 8" EdgeHD telescope on the heavy duty stable CGX German equatorial mount are often used by astrophotographers. For those wanting a wide-field of view for imaging larger objects such as the Orion nebula or clusters of galaxies, the fast f/2 Celestron RASA 8", 11" and 14" telescopes are popular. To go with these imaging telescopes, Baader Planetarium offer a range of high quality cooled CMOS cameras, filter wheels and accessories manufactured by Moravian Instruments suitable for deep sky imaging and lunar and planetary imaging applications. For more information see their product range page on our website.
Astrophotographers often use filters when imaging deep sky objects. Baader Planetarium produce one of the widest and most technically advanced ranges of astro‑imaging filters suitable for use with different f-ratio optics and covering everything from broadband LRGB to narrowband Ha/OIII/SII. They also offer specialist solar, planetary and comet filters. For those wanting to contribute to science projects they also offer Bessell and Sloan-SDSS photometric filters. You can find out more here.
In our regular monthly overviews of the night sky, we will report even more about the above and other astronomical events in our sky.
From all of us at Baader Planetarium we wish you a great 2026 and clear skies!
If you need help in choosing or using a Baader Planetarium product to observe or image the night sky, please contact one of our authorized Baader Planetarium dealers who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
In this article we will take a brief look at some astronomical events that will take place during 2026.
We regularly take part in various trade fairs and events that are aimed at the general public or specifically at specialist audiences. We attend these events either with our own booth as Baader Planetarium, or specifically in our role as distributor of brands such as Celestron, Planewave or 10Micron, which we look after for Europe. At events outside Germany, we are either represented by our national distributors or are on site ourselves.
We look forward to your visit!
| Event | Location | Represented by | Ad to calendar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 06. - 07. February 2026 European AstroFest | [br]Kensington Conference and Events Centre, London [br] | Baader Planetarium UK representative[br] |  |
 | 04. - 05. March 2026 SpaceComm Expo London | [br]ExCeL London International Exhibition and Convention Centre [br] | Baader Planetarium (PlaneWave & 10Micron)[br] | |
 | 07. March 2026 Practical Astronomy Show (PAS) | [br]NEAC Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth [br] | Baader Planetarium UK representative[br] | |
 | 17. - 20. March 2026 Ringfoto Roadshow (Retailer event) | [br]Hannover (17.), Neuss (18.), Sinsheim (19.), Fürth (20.) [br] | Celestron[br] | |
 | 23. - 27. March 2026 Munich Space Summit | [br]Alte Kongresshalle, München [br] | Baader Planetarium[br] | |
 | 11. - 12. April 2026 Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF) | [br]Rockland Community College, New York [br] | Baader Planetarium[br] | |
 | 24. - 26. April 2026 Internationale Fürstenfelder Naturfototage | [br]Veranstaltungsforum Fürstenfeldbruck [br] | Celestron[br] | |
 | 09. May 2026 ATT (Astronomie und Techniktreff) | [br]Gymnasium Am Stoppenberg, Essen [br] | Baader Planetarium & Celestron[br] | |
 | 27. June 2026 Astro-Messe-Friedrichshafen | [br]Neue Messe, Friedrichshafen [br] | Baader Planetarium & Celestron[br] |  |
 | 07. - 09. July 2026 SPIE Astronomical Telescopes | [br]Bella Center, Kopenhagen [br] | Baader Planetarium[br] | |
 | 20. - 24. July 2026 National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) | [br]University of Birmingham [br] | Baader Planetarium UK representative[br] | |
 | 15. - 18. September AMOS (Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance) | [br]Wailea Beach Resort, Maui, Hawaii [br] | Baader Planetarium[br] | |
 | 02. - 04. October 2026 Imaging World | [br] Frankenhalle Messe Nürnberg [br] | Celestron[br] | |
 | 05. - 11. October 2026 Kelling Heath Star Party | [br]LAS Autumn Equinox Sky Camp [br] | Baader Planetarium UK representative[br] | |
 | 30. - 31. October 2026 The International Astronomy Show (IAS) | [br]Sports Connexion Leisure Club & Venue, Warwickshire [br] | Baader Planetarium UK representative[br] | |
 | 05. - 07. November 2026 Lehrerfortbildung Haus der Astronomie | [br]Haus der Astronomie, Heidelberg [br] | Baader Planetarium[br] | |
 | November 2026 Cesena Astro Fair | [br]Via Dismano, Cesena [br] | Baader Planetarium[br] | |
 | 17. - 19. November 2026 SpaceTech Expo Europe | [br]Findorffstrasse 101, Messe Bremen [br] | Baader Planetarium (PlaneWave & 10Micron)[br] | |
Event review 2025 16. January 2026 - 2024 was once again an eventful year for Baader Planetarium, marked by numerous international events and exhibitions. In this blog post, we would like to look back on the experiences we gathered throughout the year.… Weiter lesenBaader Planetarium regularly attends trade fairs and public events, either with its own stand or as a distributor for brands such as Celestron, PlaneWave Instruments, TEC, 10Micron, and many more.
2024 was once again an eventful year for Baader Planetarium, marked by numerous international events and exhibitions. In this blog post, we would like to look back on the experiences we gathered throughout the year.
European AstroFest, Feburary 7-8, 2025
Together with our UK representative, we participated in the two-day event held at the Kensington Conference and Events Centre in London. The exhibition spanned three floors with display areas where a variety of suppliers and retailers showcased the latest astronomy equipment.
The Widescreen Centre (WSC) hosted two large booths and presented an impressive selection of Baader Planetarium products. Over 300 items were on display, including:
- Small spacer rings, T-2/M48 adapters,
- Universal Filter Changer (UFC) System,
- the complete range of Hyperion-, Morpheus and Classci Orthos Eyepieces
- as well as numerous filters in standard sizes.
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Space-Comm Expo UK, March 11-12, 2025
We were present at Space-Comm Expo UK 2025 at ExCeL London, where we showcased innovative observatory solutions designed for a wide range of scientific applications, including Space Situational Awareness (SSA), laser communication, and astronomy. Baader Planetarium specializes in the development and manufacture of advanced ground station domes for Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), SSA, and Lasercom applications, as well as in fully integrated, turnkey optical observatories.
More information is available at baader.space.
Our experts Johannes Baader, Linus Niekamp, Lee Sproats, and Michael Risch were available on site for technical discussions and provided insights into the integration of modern telescope, mount, and dome systems for scientific use.
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Practical Astronomy Show (PAS), 15. März 2025
On Saturday, March 15th, the one-day Practical Astronomy Show (PAS) took place at the NAEC Exhibition Centre at Stoneleigh in the heart of England. The Practical Astronomy Show 2025 was very well attended throughout the day, leading to numerous and in-depth discussions at our booth.
The most frequently discussed products included Hyperion & Morpheus eyepieces, star diagonals, filters, and additional accessories. The main visual highlight of the booth, however, was the scale model of a 4.2-meter Baader dome, which initially attracted visitors out of curiosity and then served as an excellent starting point for conversations about our observatory and dome solutions.
Overall, PAS 2025 provided an excellent opportunity for professional exchange, detailed product discussions, and many new contacts within the amateur astronomy community.
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Celestron – Ringfoto Roadshow, March 17-20, 2025
We participated in the Ringfoto Roadshow in Germany with our Celestron product range. Over the course of four days in four cities, we presented the Celestron portfolio to representatives from more than 100 photographic retail stores across Germany.
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Conference of the Society of German-Speaking Planetariums, 5. - 7. April 2025
Every year, the operators of German planetariums come together for a multi-day professional conference. In 2025, the event was hosted by the Planetarium Halle, which operates an observatory built and installed by Baader Planetarium.
As the manufacturer of the observatory, we were invited to participate in the event with a joint exhibition stand together with our software partner sciencentric®. With its Webservatory® software, Sciencentric enables the remote integration of all observatory instruments. The streamlined software architecture operates without manufacturer-specific programs or drivers, significantly simplifying setup, training, and operation. From a single user interface, the mount, dome, cameras, and all other components can be controlled. These capabilities were presented in an afternoon lecture and, thanks to clear skies, a live real time demonstration was given with the telescope pointed at the Sun, Moon, and galaxies, inspiring several planetarium operators to further explore the topic of observatories.
While not every city can afford a large observatory in addition to a planetarium, a much more cost-effective alternative was also demonstrated and received great interest. Our colleague Herwig Diessner installed the Celestron Origin – Intelligent Home Observatory – on the rooftop and captured galaxy images via live stacking in front of an enthusiastic audience.
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Northeast Astronomy Forum & Space Expo (NEAF), April 5-6, 2025
We were represented at the 34th Northeast Astronomy Forum & Space Expo (NEAF) 2025 at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York.
At our booth, we presented a concise overview of our key product lines, including optical accessories, eyepieces, filters, and a wide range of mechanical adapters. The display was complemented by information on Baader observatory domes.
With a presence on the US market spanning several decades, supported by our distributor Alpine Astronomical, NEAF 2025 provided an excellent opportunity for direct exchange with US customers, dealers, and the international astronomy community, and was marked by many engaging discussions and strong visitor interest.
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Astronomieworkshop Weyregg 2025, 12. - 13. April 2025
Baader Planetarium, together with the Celestron team, participated in the Astronomy Workshop in Weyregg am Attersee, organized by the Astronomical Working Group Salzkammergut.
With an exhibition booth at the Parish and Community Center in Weyregg, the event provided an excellent opportunity for personal exchange with astronomy enthusiasts and workshop participants in a relaxed atmosphere.
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International Fürstenfelder Nature Photography Days, April 19-21, 2025
We participated in the International Fürstenfeld Nature Photography Days, where we presented the Celestron Sport Optics Portfolio. In addition to binoculars and spotting scopes, we also demonstrated various ways to adapt different types of cameras to Celestron sport optics for photography and digiscoping applications.
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ATT, May 10, 2025
The ATT is a trade fair especially for amateur astronomers, which we enjoy attending every year. It is the largest event of its kind in Europe. [br]
At this year's ATT in Essen we offered a wide range ofinteresting bargains directly for sale: including eyepieces, various accessories, Celestron binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes and much more.
At the 40th ATT in addition to our standard product range, we presented the latest telescopes from PlaneWave and 10Micron Mounts, our Filter-Portfolio, our products for solar oberservation, interesting accessories for astrophotography, such as the IMP85 - Instrument Mulit Port 85 and the Baader Tilter systems as well as Moravian cameras and the brand new Celestron Origin and the Celestron RASA 6 at our Celestron booth.
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National Astronomy Meeting (NAM), July 7-12, 2025
We were present at the UK National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) in Durham with our UK representative. At our booth, we presented a selection of high-end instrumentation and observatory solutions, including a dome model as well as additional components for professional astronomical applications.
In addition to the exhibition, a technical presentation by our representative attracted strong interest and led to numerous discussions with participants from research and academia. With more than 1,100 registered attendees, the NAM provided an excellent platform for in-depth professional exchange, particularly on instrumentation solutions and observatory technology.
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Kelling Heath Star Party, September 19-20, 2025
On September 19 - 20, our UK representative participated in the Equinox Sky Camp at Kelling Heath Holiday Park in North Norfolk. Under the region’s dark skies, the UK’s largest star party took place, bringing together hundreds of amateur astronomers for a week of observing and astrophotography.
Baader Planetarium presented a selection of accessories that visitors were able to view and try out on site.
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Imaging World , September 10-12, 2025
Baader Planetarium, together with the Celestron team, was represented at Imaging World 2025 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center. The focus was on astrophotography solutions, including RASA- and EdgeHD optics, the StarSense Explorer and the Celestron Origin All-in-One Smart Telescope as well as camera and imaging systems for deep-sky and planetary photography.
Many discussions centered on setup optimization, autoguiding, and imaging workflows, as well as the growing demand for beginner-friendly astrophotography equipment. The goal was to inspire daytime photographers to explore the world of astrophotography.
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VdS Conference and Members’ General Assembly, October 24-26, 2025
We were represented at the 37th Conference of the Association of Friends of the Stars (VdS) in Hofheim, taking part in the accompanying exhibition.
In addition to the technical lectures, the exhibition provided an excellent opportunity for personal exchange and discussions with participants.
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Teacher Workshop House of Astronomy, November 6-7, 2025
On November 6–7, 2025, we participated in the Teacher Workshop at the House of Astronomy. Educators from across Germany used the event to deepen their astronomical knowledge and gain new inspiration for teaching astronomy in the classroom.
A particular highlight was the presentation of the Celestron Origin by Mr. Winkhaus, who demonstrated the system’s versatile capabilities and its potential as a practical teaching and demonstration tool, as well as the Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS) for safe group solar observation – making it especially suitable for schools.
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The International Astronomy Show (IAS), November 1, 2025
On Saturday, November 1, the International Astronomy Show (IAS) took place at the Sports Connexion Leisure Club & Venue in Warwickshire. The event was very well attended throughout the day and offered numerous opportunities for personal exchange with customers and dealers from across the United Kingdom.
Baader Planetarium showcased a wide range of products, including the UFC System, M68 Adapter, ClickLock clamps, diagonals, the Hyperion eyepieces and MaxBright II binoviewers.
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SpaceTech Expo Europe, November 18-20, 2025
Baader Planetarium was represented at Space Tech Expo Europe from November 18–20, 2025, together with PlaneWave Instruments (Observable Space) and our partner 10Micron.
At the Baader booth, we presented our dome models as well as the PlaneWave telescopes DeltaRho 350 and CDK20, mounted on an L-550 direct-drive mount. A particular highlight was the presentation of the SOFA module (Small Optical Ground Station Focal-Optics Assembly) from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), integrated on the CDK20. SOFA upgrades standard telescopes into powerful optical ground stations, combining precision pointing, IR tracking, a daylight camera, an uplink launcher, and the receiver front end for high-rate LEO downlinks in a compact and cost-effective system.
At the 10Micron booth, the AZ2500 direct-drive mount was showcased, equipped with a Celestron RASA 11 and the Baader APO 95/580 CaF₂ Travel Companion, installed on the Baader MBP – Mobile Observation Platform.
The exhibition was complemented by comprehensive information on our custom observatory solutions, supporting applications such as Space Situational Awareness (SSA), laser communication, and astronomy. These and many other products are integrated into our turnkey observatories and optical ground stations for SLR, SSA, and Lasercom applications.
More information is available at baader.space
2024 was once again an eventful year for Baader Planetarium, marked by numerous international events and exhibitions. In this blog post, we would like to look back on the experiences we gathered throughout the year. European AstroFest, Feburary 7-8, 2025 Together with our UK representative, we participated in the two-day event held at the Kensington […]
The festive season is here again and it can be a time to think about a gift for the astronomer in your life or as treat for yourself.
To help, we’ve put together a small selection of popular gift ideas that are available from our network of Baader Planetarium dealers, our ourselves.
Gift Vouchers
Unsure of what to buy as a festive gift for someone interested in astronomy?
We offer a choice of gift vouchers that are the ideal solution for all astronomy enthusiasts at all levels. The vouchers are available in the following values:
- [product sku="9003200"]
- [product sku="9003201"]
- [product sku="9003202"]
The vouchers can be used for all products in our Baader www.baader-planetarium.com (and also Celestron: www.celestron.de) online shops.
After your purchase you will receive a high-quality printed voucher by post for to give personally. However if you find that time is short we can also provide it as a PDF by e-mail on request so you can send electronically or print out yourself.
Cable Management: A fun gift for tidy cabling
[product sku="2455055"]
Don’t let a tangled mess of cables steal the magic of the night sky. With these cheerful Baader Planetarium-logo-labelled hook and loop [product sku=”2455055”], you can wrap up loose leads like ribbons on a cosmic gift, keeping your setup neat and more importantly safe.
These reusable velcro cable ties which are available in a pack of ten add a touch of order to the any cable chaos, securing power cords and camera cables so they don’t snag during your celestial . Think of them as little helpers – like elves for your optics – ensuring that every wire stays snug and tidy while you unwrap the wonders of the universe.
Keep your optics clean: Baader Optical Wonder Cleaning Set
Telescopes, eyepieces or other optical accessories will not remain in pristine “factory clean” condition for long. When exposed to the environment dust and moisture can settle on the corrector plate of an SCT/EdgeHD telescope, refractor or camera lens, eyelash grease on eyepieces, and fingerprints can accidently be put on eyepiece lenses and filters. Your optics will need to be cleaned over the years if they are used regularly.
To help gently and safely clean such optics, the [product sku="2905009"] continues to be a popular choice.
The Optical Wonder set consists of 100ml of Optical Wonder cleaning fluid in a spray bottle and super microfiber 25cmx25cm soft cleaning cloth and working together will clean without scratching.
The fluid will safely remove dirt, oils and finger prints and dries without leaving any residue. It also forms a protective layer to protect the optical surface from the formation of bacteria and fungi too. The bottle uses fine sprayer so the liquid will last a long time. The microfiber cloth is soft so will not scratch optics and it also can be machine washed too.
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[product sku="2905009"]
Filter Storage and organisation
Over a period of time you may accumulate many filters for visual and/or imaging use such as nebula/light pollution filters, colored filters for viewing the planets and narrowband filters for imaging.
For the astronomer who loves to keep things neat, tidy and organised, the [product sku="2459253"] makes a thoughtful Christmas present.
They are designed to safely store and protect filters up to 65mmx65mm and features a clever modular design that allows the boxes to be stacked securely on all sides - both vertically on top of each other and/or side-by-side horizontally securely. The filter drawer has internal removable foam pads to protect the filter and there is a small lip on the front in order to pull the drawer open to easily acces the filter.
The boxes are the kind of practical accessory that brings peace of mind knowing your precious filters are safe and a touch of festive organization to any stargazer’s toolkit.
A cometary “highlighter”
Recently there have been a number of comets visible in the night sky such as Comet C/2025 ATLAS, C/2025 A6 Lemmon. There was also comet C/2024 G3 Atlas and C/2020 F3 Neowise which became visible to the naked eye in the summertime evenings.
Unlike broadband general-purpose filters, the Baader C2 Swan-Band Comet Filter, which is available in 1.25” and 2” sizes for visual and imaging use, has been specially produced which isolates the two brightest C2 emission lines at 511 nm and 514 nm, known as the Swan bands, while blocking the nearby OIII line that can otherwise dilute contrast. This selective transmission makes faint delicate gaseous structures stand out against the background sky.
For those interested in studying comets and are looking for a truly unique present this Christmas the Baader C2 Swan-Band filter could be for you!
Studying our Sun: Eclipses and solar observation
Although the Sun has just passed solar maximum, it will continue to be active for a while. This activity can be seen for example by the number of sunspots being visible on the Sun’s “surface” and auroral activity too. In 2026, 2027 and 2028 there will also be solar eclipses visible from Europe. The first of these in 2026 will be a total eclipse which will span from western Iceland down the Atlantic and across northern and central spain with totality lasting ~2m18s (Iceland region) to ~1m40s in Spain. With such solar activity and upcoming events this makes it a perfect time for solar observation!
Solar Eclipses in Spain – 2026, 2027 and 2028 18. June 2025 - For years now our colleagues have been hunting for the next Solar eclipse in the most remote places of the World. Please review our previous blog posts on AstroSolar.com, for example: 2015: Solar Eclipse Adventrue… Weiter lesenBaader Solar Viewer Glasses
The Baader Eclipse Solar Viewer Glasses are made with their renowned AstroSolar® Silver/Gold Film, offering crystal-clear, views of the Sun and the partial phases of a solar eclipse while blocking 100% of harmful UV and IR radiation. Lightweight, foldable, and CE/ISO certified, they’re the perfect companion for the upcoming solar eclipses.
They are available in three different designs - our standard and new neutral black and neutral white. Pop them into a Christmas stocking and you’ll be giving not just a gift, but a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
[product sku="2420003"]
[product sku="2420002"]
Baader Solar Projection Screen Viewer
The [product sku="2420400"] transforms solar observing into a safe experience turning the Sun into a crisp white-light image that can be enjoyed on your own or as a shared experience in groups.
Crafted as a clever cardboard kit with pre-cut parts and adhesive strips, the BSPS is both lightweight and sturdy, designed for quick assembly and easy use with refractor telescopes fitted with star diagonals. Once set up, it projects a bright solar disk—large enough for classrooms, outreach events, or casual backyard astronomy—revealing sunspots and solar activity in real time. Optimized for focal ratios of f/6 or slower, and compatible with Baader’s OPFA eyepiece projection adapters (other T-2 projection adaptors can also be used), it offers flexibility for different telescope setups while maintaining safety as its core principle. By shifting the act of solar viewing from a solitary pursuit to a communal one, the BSPS embodies Baader’s mission of making astronomy accessible, educational, and engaging for all. A great christmas gift for the avid solar astronomer!
Red-dot radiance for clear nights
The [product sku="2957315"] is a versatile zero-power finderscope with a wide 40mm aperture that makes aiming effortless. By day, it doubles as a sighting tool for terrestrial use, while at night it projects a crisp, adjustable brightness red dot that helps you align your telescope with celestial targets in seconds. Its robust rugged water resistant, fog-proof and shockproof housing (originally designed for military field use) shields the multicoated optics from stray light and weather, ensuring reliable performance in all conditions. The finder comes with front and rear jump cover which, when both are closed, allow the finder to be used as a pin-hole projection solar finder. It comes with a bracket to fit most Celestron/SkyWatcher/Vixen finder bases and an additional base to fit onto additional other telescope tubes. Sky Surfer V's design and functionality accommodates both astronomical and daytime applications and it becomes a true “all-season navigator" for daylight exploration and starlit discovery.
[product sku="2957315"]
Celestial Carousel: Baader Q‑Turret and Eyepiece Collection
Our selected eyepiece offering for a Christmas gift is our [product sku="2957000"]. Imagine your holiday stargazing wrapped in a touch of elegance: the Baader Q-Turret with Classic Ortho and Plössl eyepiece set is like a celestial carousel, ready to spin you from crisp planetary detail to wide-field wonder with a simple turn.
This thoughtfully designed kit combines three Baader Classic Orthoscopic eyepieces (6mm, 10mm, 18mm) with a 32mm Classic Plössl, plus the useful Q-Turret 4-eyepiece revolver and unique versatile 1.3x/2.25x Q-Barlow. The Q-turret allows you to rotate seamlessly between eyepieces, eliminating the hassle of swapping them in and out of your telescope focuser (and storing) during an observing session. Each eyepiece is fully multi-coated for high transmission ensuring bright, high contrast, sharp crisp views with excellent color fidelity. The Ortho’s are ideal for observing lunar detail and the planets, while the Plössl provides a lower power wider field of view for deep-sky exploration. With the included Barlow, the set expands to cover focal lengths from 2.7mm up to 32mm, offering a complete spectrum of magnifications in one package. The eyepieces and turret comes in a nicely designed colorful and elegant metal presentation storage box offering durable protection while letting you see the contents at a glance through its clear window. The Baader Q-Turret with Classic Ortho and Plössl eyepiece set is a versatile, all-in-one solution for effortless stargazing.
At the moment (and until 31st December) Baader eyepieces are on special offer with 20% off which represent a significant saving making it an ideal time to purchase for a festive present and add to your eyepiece collection.
Double the magic under the Christmas sky - Maxbright II Binoviewers
Using a telescope with a single eyepiece and one eye is the most common way of viewing the Moon, planets and deep sky objects. However being able to view celestial objects with two eyes provides a more natural, comfortable, and immersive experience and also can reduce eye strain and improve detail perception.
Give the gift of two-eyed stargazing this Christmas with the [product sku="2456460"] where they can transform ordinary telescope sessions into breathtakingly immersive experiences, delivering crisp high-contrast views of the Moon, planets and deep-sky objects with natural depth and comfort. The MKII model features include large 27mm prisms with 7-layer anti-reflection coatings on all glass-to-air surfaces and new ClickLock eyepiece clamps with dioptre adjustment. The binoviewers use the Baader Astro T-2 system to allow them to be connected to a telescope in many different ways such as with 1.25”/2” nosepiece, Zeiss micro-bayonet for quick release, or directly coupled to a Baader T-2 diagonal. They can be used with the Baader Glasspathcorrectors which removes colour aberrations caused by the binoviewer prisms when used with fast telescopes and they move the focus point outward allowing you to use the Binoviewers with telescopes that have short backfocus. The Maxbright II comes supplied with a case and Zeiss Microbayonet. They are also available in sets which include 1.25” or 2” nosepieces, diagonal, glasspathcorrectors and eyepieces.
Don't forget - you need to "double up" on your eyepieces for use with the binoviewer! The (currently on 20% off offer) Baader Morpheus eyepiece range with their long 20mm eye relief and 76 degree apparent field for immersive space-walk viewing were designed an optimized for binoviewing!
Wrapped up as a Christmas present, they’re not just an accessory—they’re a gateway to unforgettable nights of cosmic exploration.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2026 - and clear skies too!
The festive season is here again and it can be a time to think about a gift for the astronomer in your life or as treat for yourself. To help, we’ve put together a small selection of popular gift ideas that are available from our network of Baader Planetarium dealers, our ourselves. Gift Vouchers Unsure of […]
Baader Planetarium is supporting a major international initiative to expand global space surveillance capabilities. The US-based company Slingshot Aerospace is enhancing the United Kingdom’s satellite-based observation infrastructure on behalf of the UK Space Agency – relying on technology from Germany. Our proven AllSky Domes form the foundation for several new observation stations across five continents.
Technology Partner for Space Surveillance
Slingshot Aerospace is one of the world’s leading providers of AI-enabled solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic management, and orbital simulation. For the current expansion of the UK’s tracking capabilities, Baader Planetarium is supplying 13 AllSky Domes specifically engineered for continuous operation in demanding environments.
The domes ensure reliable, fully automatic / autonomous operation of sensitive instruments – regardless of climate, weather, or time of day. From extreme cold zones to tropical regions, they provide ideal operating conditions and offer long-term protection for the deployed sensors against environmental influences.
“We are very pleased that our systems contribute to the future space surveillance infrastructure of the United Kingdom,” says Johannes Baader, CEO of Baader Planetarium. “The AllSky Domes are designed to provide stable, precise, and low-maintenance infrastructure anywhere in the world.”
Why Space Surveillance Is Becoming Increasingly Important
Low Earth orbit is more densely populated than ever before. Around 12,000 active satellites currently orbit the Earth – and with the rapid growth of commercial constellations, this number could rise to more than 100,000 by 2030. As a result, the risk of collisions or break-ups that create new debris and endanger operational satellites is increasing.
International partnerships such as that between Slingshot Aerospace and the UK Space Agency are essential to detect potential hazards at an early stage, make accurate orbit predictions, and ensure safe operations in space. Modern sensor technologies and robust ground infrastructure play a key role in this effort.
The project will create additional observation capacity at multiple international sites. This new infrastructure expands the geographical coverage of the existing Slingshot network and enhances the ability to evaluate orbital activity in real time.
“Through our partnership with the UK Space Agency, we are laying a solid foundation for expanding the UK’s space technology capabilities”, explains Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace.
German Expertise for Global Space Safety
Slingshot Aerospace currently operates more than 200 optical sensors at 21 sites across five continents. The current project will further expand this network. The integration of Baader Planetarium’s AllSky Domes ensures a long-term reliable, modular infrastructure that remains scalable for future national and international satellite observation solutions.
With this project, Baader Planetarium strengthens its position as a leading provider of robust high-tech solutions for industrial ground stations, research institutions, and space-related applications. From classical observatories to advanced SSA / SLR / LaserCom installations – partners worldwide rely on the durability, quality, and precision of our systems.
www.baader-observatories.com
Baader Planetarium is supplying 13 AllSky Domes for an international space surveillance project led by Slingshot Aerospace on behalf of the UK Space Agency. The robust domes expand the global network of optical sensors and provide new infrastructure for the safe monitoring of satellites and orbital activity.
The Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) is located in Egham, Surrey, about 30km west of central London. It is a prestigious research-intensive university with a rich history and a stunning campus with a strong research profile, and diverse student community of nearly 13,000 students across arts, humanities and sciences including physics and astronomy. Baader Planetarium were honoured to be chosen to supply and install a substantial upgrade to their existing telescope which resides in a metal 3.8m diameter observatory slit-type dome on the roof of their physics department’s Tolansky building.
Discussions about a telescope and accessories that would be suitable for astronomical teaching and research projects began shortly after the beginning of 2025. After a number of meetings with departmental staff the following setup was chosen:
- Telescope System:
- PlaneWave CDK17 and L-500 Direct Drive Mount mounted atop an Equatorial Wedge.
- Series 5 controller for operating the focuser, telescope fans and internal heater pads
- Series 5 focuser
- The whole telescope would be fixed on top of a [product sku="2451188"] which would be attached to the top of the observatory's existing concrete pier using a Baader levelling flange base.
- An imaging system for photometry, astrometry and astrophotography :
- [product sku="1941100"] with a [product sku="1942101"]
- [product sku="2961755"].
- For spectroscopy projects :
- [product sku="2458550"]
- [product sku="2458557"], [product sku="2458556"], [product sku="2458559"] for different resolutions
- The DADOS was also equipped with a [product sku="2458645"] to bring the telescope to f/10 for best use with DADOS
- To image spectra a [product sku="1941500"] is attached and a Moravian C0 mono USB camera for slit viewing and guiding.
- Visual use for occasional public and outreach events :
- appropriate M68 ClickLock adaptors and [product sku="2956268"]
- [product sku="2954200"].
In order to avoid having to keep removing and re-mounting the imaging, spectroscopic and visual equipment, the [product sku="2451300"] was also added to their equipment list. The telescope with all the equipment was set up, balanced, adjusted and tested at our facility in Mammendorf in the summer ready to be shipped and installed later in the year.
The telescope was delivered at RHUL in early October and the installation took place just after delivery over two days and just in time for an important University-wide open day event for prospective students.
The first day involved unpacking the equipment, sorting and preparing it all ready for installation the following day. The accessories were taken to a teaching laboratory where all the necessary and most up-to-date software and drivers were installed and configured on the observatory PC and tested and the photometric filters were installed in the filter wheel. Time was also spent demonstrating the operation of various software applications to some of the staff.
The next task centered around the observatory's existing short concrete pier onto which the whole CDK400 would be mounted. Measurements of this pier made earlier in the year showed that it would be suitable to allow the Baader pier adaptor to be attached with the wedge and support the telescope. It was also found that its height was also suitable to allow the telescope to reach the minimum required altitude. The pier was then drilled and chemical anchors put in place with the Baader flange adaptor then put in position.
The last job of the day was to partly dismantle the wedge and carry it up the (very) narrow spiral staircase that leads into the observatory so it was there ready to be fitted the following day.
It was not possible to use a crane at the time of the installation so an external “transport team” who have previous experience of moving delicate heavy equipment for the department were chosen to carefully move the L-mount and telescope to the roof and into the observatory. The mount and telescope had to be moved from the ground to first floor, then into a narrow room, up a steep and narrow staircase and up through a small access door and onto the roof before being finally installed in the observatory. Measurements of the mount and telescope has been given earlier and it was found that although space was tight, both of the large heavy items should just about fit and be able to be moved onto the roof and into the observatory.
The telescope installation day started early with the arrival of the team setting up a portable gantry lifting system on the roof which would take the weight of the heavy mount and telescope (separately) and enable the items to be raised onto the roof. After discussing how to move and safely lift each item, the L-500 and CDK17 were removed from their crates on the ground floor and the journey to the roof top observatory began. The L-mount was the first to go up and after wrapping it to protect it from damage it was safely hoisted up onto the roof. The CDK17 was next where it also was safely moved onto the rooftop. After less than an hour both the mount and telescope were ready to go into the observatory.
Inside the dome, the Baader levelling flange was put in place and levelled with the wedge being attached next. The transport crew helped with lifting the L-500 onto the wedge where it was then secured. After a well deserved coffee the CDK17 OTA was then clamped onto the L-500 mount ready for the accessories to be attached.
The IMP85 was fitted to the OTA followed by the imaging system, DADOS spectroscopy accessories and then the visual items. The department’s small APO refractor telescope with imaging camera was then mounted on top of the CDK17 and positioned so the telescope was perfectly balanced in DEC. Temporary cable routing was done as the department was going to purchase an industrial mini PC a short time afterwards which would be mounted on the L-mount and also use much shorter length data cables from the various accessories.
The day ended by testing the equipment operation and tuning the mount. Time as also taken to explain further operation of the equipment such as camera operation and how to undertake the mount modelling and polar alignment.
It was great to do this telescope installation in such a nice and friendly campus environment and the whole process went very smoothly. The departmental technicians Ian Murray and Adriana Dias were great to work with and their help and support was greatly appreciated. The "moving crew" were also great to work with and very helpful. Thank you to Adriana too for the use of the timelapse and drone videos too.
Update 19/11/2025: The department obtained an industrial mini PC and shorter length data cables allowing the computer to mounted on the side of the DEC arm with modified cable routing. They have also had a recent clear night which allowed them to undertake mount modelling and get towards a good polar alignment.
Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) has significantly upgraded its rooftop observatory on the Tolansky Building. Baader Planetarium installed a new PlaneWave CDK17 telescope on an L-500 direct-drive mount along with advanced imaging, photometry and spectroscopy equipment.
Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS)
- Safe solar projection on refractors with star diagonals
- Simple observation of the Sun in white light – individually or in groups
- Quick and easy assembly of pre-cut cardboard parts with pre-mounted adhesive strips
- Also suitable for tracking control, e.g., for public outreach. Optimized for viewing from the side
- For operation you will need (not included)
- a lens telescope suitable for solar projection with a star diagonal/prism and at least 3 cm of backfocus. Recommended for focal ratios of ~f/6 or slower
- eyepiece projection adapter with T-2 thread, e.g., the Baader OPFA - Eyepiece Projection adapter (I - VII) (various versions available)
- a glass/metal eyepiece suitable for solar projection with an appropriate focal length to project a solar image at least 6 cm in diameter. The BSPS has been tested with Baader Classic Ortho/Plössl eyepieces.
Baader FFB - Flatfieldbox with 450 / 650 / 850 / 1250mm clear aperture
- PPerfect for astrophotography: Optimize your images with Flats to correct vignetting and dust particles
- Even light distribution: Achieved through a sophisticated design, ideal for filters in the visual spectrum
- Easy operation: Control via a web interface
- Adjustable brightness: Integrated dimmer for optimal adjustment of illumination intensity
- Color tuning and multi-color options: Fine color adjustment possible through WRGB, ensures uniform illumination of color and dual-band cameras
- Flexible mounting options: Can be mounted on a wall, placed on a table, or used in rotating domes
- Available in different sizes: Covers a wide range of telescope apertures, offering versatile applications
- For shipping, the corresponding is also required. It is charged separately and must be ordered together with the FlatFieldBox.
Important note: The Baader FlatFieldBox (FFB) is now available for pre-order. The delivery time is approximately 4–6 weeks. Please make sure to include the appropriate shipping crate with your order.
Baader 2“ BBHS® Prism – Adjustable Star Diagonal
- 2" BBHS prism star diagonal with 2" ClickLock
- Prism made of BaK4 glass with sealed BBHS® coating
- CNC-milled black aluminum housing with adjustable wedge
- Including [product sku="2408156"] with additional grip and security from inadvertent slipping.
- Provides greatest reflectance over most spectral range from 390 to 2000nm
- BBHS = Broadband Hardsilver coating with dielectric protective overcoating
- Much higher in brilliance than cheap dielectric coatings
- Ideal for visual observation and astrophotography with maximum brilliance, even in the infrared spectrum
- Successor to [product sku="2456117"]
Baader 2“ BBHS® Mirror – Adjustable Star Diagonal
- 2" BBHS star diagonal with 2" ClickLock clamp
- CNC-milled black aluminum housing with adjustable wedge
- Including [product sku="2408156"] with additional grip and security from inadvertent slipping.
- Mirror material made of glass-ceramic with 1/10 lambda surface accuracy
- Provides greatest reflectance over large spectral range from 390 to 2000nm
- Much higher in brilliance than standard dielectric coatings
- BBHS = Broadband Hardsilver coating with dielectric protective overcoating
- Ideal for visual observation and astrophotography with maximum brilliance, even in the infrared spectrum
- Successor to [product sku="2456115"]
Coming Soon: Baader OMS-Nano V3 – Remote Switch for 10Micron Mounts
- Remote Switch OMS-Nano (Observation Management System) V3 used to turn your 10Micron mount, equipped with Control Box Version 3, on and off from remote
- With 1m connection cable, 3m long LAN-cable and 2m long USB-cable as well as 12V/100-240V Power Supply
- Incl. web interface and manual
- Successor to [product sku="2455031"]. Since April 2025, all 10Micron mounts have been supplied as standard with the Control Box Version 3. 10Micron has revised the hardware of the electronic control box
Coming Soon: TEC APO 110 f/5.6 Fluorite Apochromat
- Apochromatic precision lens with modern coating
- Oil-spaced and fully encapsulated triplet lens for fastest thermal adaptation and to prevent haze and reflections
- Retractable dew shield
- Lightweight tube
- Free aperture of 110 mm, focal length of 616 mm
- Outstanding image quality and color correction thanks to its central element fluorite crystal
- Residual chromatic aberration between 436 and 1000 nm = 0.02% of the focal length
- Permanently stabilized and oil-spaced - Why oil-spaced lenses?
- 3.5" TEC dual-speed focuser with fine focus on both sides
- Eyepiece clamp with tension ring
Important note: If you are interested, please send us an inquiry including your contact details by email. We accept pre-orders.
Product Highlights from Baader Planetarium for October 2025: Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS) for safe solar projection on refractors with star diagonals, Baader FFB-Flatfieldbox – No more Sky-Flats in the (Remote) Observatory and more.
The [product sku="2420400" style="imgright"] enables safe solar observation, particularly suitable for small groups. All you need is
- a lens telescope suitable for solar projection with star diagonals/prisms and at least 3 cm of backfocus. Recommended for focal ratios of ~f/6 or slower
- an eyepiece projection adapter with T-2 connection, e.g. the Baader [product sku="opfa"]
- an eyepiece suitable for solar projection, made of glass/metal, with a matching focal length to project a solar image of at least 6 cm in size. The BSPS has been tested with Baader Classic Ortho/Plössl eyepieces.
To give you the best possible information about this product, we have compiled some questions and answers on this page. Please also read the assembly and user manual and visit our website. If you have further questions, use the comment function or contact us.
Compatibility & Optics
Can I use the BSPS with other eyepieces?
Yes – provided that the eyepiece is suitable for solar projection. With unsuitable eyepieces, the cement between the lenses may deteriorate. In particular, older eyepieces sometimes use heat-sensitive Canada balsam.
Furthermore, an eyepiece with a plastic housing can suffer damage if the Sun drifts out of the field. Burn marks on the housing appear quickly as soon as the Sun moves out of the center.
Our Classic Ortho eyepieces have been tested for up to five continuous hours. Even with inadequate tracking, only the anodizing faded; the eyepiece itself was not damaged. We cannot provide information on eyepieces from other manufacturers.
Can I use the BSPS with a Newtonian?
With suitable Newtonian telescopes, solar projection is generally possible. However, note: The secondary mirror (even more so with Schmidt-Cassegrains) lies close to the focal plane and receives a lot of heat. This can damage its mirror cell or soften adhesives – even if the mirror itself remains unharmed. We have seen Schmidt-Cassegrains where the housing/baffle of the secondary mirror had melted.
Please check the manual of your telescope or consult the manufacturer to see whether it is explicitly approved for solar projection. If necessary, stop down the telescope – many older telescopes have a small aperture integrated in the dust cap for this purpose.
Can I use the BSPS with other eyepiece projection adapters?
Yes – but you must adjust the distance so that the solar image is at least 6 cm in size. For this, you can use our T-2 extension tubes, for example.
Warning: With too many extension tubes, the image becomes very large; the T-2 thread will then vignette and the image will be cut off.
My telescope has a plastic focuser – can I still use the BSPS?
Basically yes. The same notes apply as for the use of a Herschel prism. We recommend telescopes and accessories made of metal, since we do not know which plastics are used and how heat/UV-resistant they are. We cannot give any further guarantees beyond those of the device manufacturer.
Our tests with 70/400 (f/5.7) and 90/500 (f/5.5) telescopes showed no significant heat load inside the tube. At the end of the tube before the focuser, the temperature was only about 5 °C above ambient (33 °C instead of 28 °C) – no danger for focuser, telescope, or baffles, especially as long as the Sun is visible on the screen. Cover the objective when not observing.
The situation is different at the star diagonal: here, the light cone is smaller and the energy density higher. Use a full-size diagonal/prism that utilizes the full aperture without additional baffles. Too-small mirrors (often in inexpensive prisms) can suffer damage at the housing from the solar energy (fading, deformation, embrittlement).
Can I use Amici prisms?
No – Amici prisms have a more complex beam path and are not suitable for solar projection.
Can I use spotting scopes?
No – spotting scopes usually cannot reach focus with an eyepiece projection adapter; in addition, they have complex internal focusing and too many components near the focal plane which would be damaged by the heat. They are not suitable for solar projection.
Operation & Handling
Is the BSPS difficult to assemble?
No. Besides the projection screen and the T-2 connection thread, the BSPS consists of three cardboard parts that are pre-cut and pre-folded; the adhesive strips are already attached.
- Detach the parts from the cardboard sheet.
- Fold along the creases.
- Assemble according to the assembly instructions, insert the screen and thread, and press down the adhesive strips.
No additional tools or cutting are needed. A ruler makes folding along the creases easier; a pencil or similar helps to press down the adhesive spots.
I cannot reach focus – what can I do?
Some inexpensive telescopes with 1¼" focusers do not provide enough backfocus for eyepiece projection. In this case, screw the OPFA directly to our star diagonal #2456005 / #2456005K.
Can I use eyepieces with shorter focal length than recommended?
Yes – but the image will be larger and you will only see part of the solar disk.
Can I use eyepieces with longer focal length than recommended?
In principle yes – the image will be smaller. If it becomes smaller than 6 cm, increase the distance with additional extension tubes. Note: Excessive distance will again lead to vignetting by the tubes; the image will then be cut off.
The image is uncomfortably bright – what can I do?
The screen is intended to be viewed from the side. When viewed directly from above, the image appears very bright – but not harmful. Stop down the telescope if necessary; even with a smaller aperture the image remains bright enough, and the heat load on the star diagonal is reduced.
Do I need a tracking mount?
Not necessarily, but a stable mount with tracking makes observation much more comfortable. Especially with the Sun nearly filling the field of view, it will drift out of the image quickly without tracking.
Observation & Quality
Is the BSPS really safe?
Yes. When used correctly and with an image size of at least 6 cm, the screen hardly warms up. The brightness is harmless due to the natural observation distance.
Can I observe prominences with the BSPS?
No. The BSPS allows observation in white light. For H-alpha structures such as prominences, you need a dedicated H-alpha filter system.
Can I also show the Moon with the BSPS?
No. The back projection reduces image brightness so strongly that the Sun remains well visible, but the Moon (even full Moon) appears too dark.
Why do I not see sunspots although the image is sharp?
Solar activity varies in a cycle of about 11 years. During solar minimum, there may be no or only very small sunspots for several days (last maximum around 2024/25).
Can I trace the image?
No – due to the back projection the brightness is already significantly reduced. An additional sheet of drawing paper on the screen dims it too much.
Is the image as sharp as with classic projection?
No. Due to the back projection the image is somewhat softer, but the umbra and penumbra of large sunspots remain visible. For maximum sharpness, a Herschel prism with Solar Continuum filter is ideal, followed by objective filters made of AstroSolar film – however, both are not suitable for group observations at the telescope.
Application Examples
The Baader Solar Projection Screen (BSPS) enables safe solar observation, particularly suitable for small groups. To give you the best possible information about this product, we have compiled some questions and answers on this page.
Factory Setup and Benefits
All 2“ BBHS Prism and Mirrors are mounted with high-quality optical glue – free of strain – on individual support structures within an enclosed housing. This method of supporting the optical components allows the optics to be adjustable within the optical light path. With the new 3-point adjustment system, every 2" BBHS® Mirror and Prism's optical and mechanical axis is perfectly aligned in our factory.
This offers three main advantages in addition to the unmatched performance of the BBHS Star Diagonals:
- Uncompromising optical adjustment for highest demands of optical precision.
- Flexibility for users whose systems present issues that normal diagonals cannot resolve
- Ability to build fully adjustable systems for users who, for example, want to build a Bino Telescope System
Alignment and Modification
The 3-point alignment is set in our factory so that the image shows no noticeable rotation around its center when the diagonal is turned 180° in a properly aligned eyepiece clamp. Optical and mechanical axes are matched perfectly on our optical benches.
If you decide to change this setting due to issues in your setup, you are free to do so. Keep in mind, once changed, you will lose the warranty on the alignment of the BBHS® Star Diagonal. The rest of the warranty remains valid.
Adjustment Procedure
Before you try to adjust the diagonal, make sure that any rotation issue is not caused by tilt in the focuser.
To change the alignment, use only the three set screws (1, 2, 3) arranged around the center screw (4). These M3 screws allow careful adjustment, regardless of mirror or prism. The center screw holds the prism and ensures the reflective surface sits exactly in the mechanical axis. Do not alter this screw.
Adjustment is done using a push-and-pull method: loosen one screw and tighten the other two, or vice versa, until the star stays centered when you rotate the diagonal. Once the position is correct, tighten all three screws evenly to avoid losing alignment.
Fastening these small screws must be done gently without the use of force. A proper hex wrench should only need two fingers for tightening. With an Allen key, insert the long side into the screw and use only the long side – never the short side – for tightening to avoid applying too much force.
The new adjustable 2″ BBHS Mirrors and Prisms feature an innovative 3-point adjustment system that ensures perfect factory alignment of optical and mechanical axes. The strain-free adhesive mounting guarantees maximum precision – ideal for demanding observers and projects such as bino telescope systems. If necessary, the alignment can be fine-tuned by the user.