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. From the European AstroFest in London to the SpaceTech Expo in Bremen, we showcased our latest innovations and proven solutions to a global audience.
European AstroFest, February 2–3, 2024
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,
- MaxBright® II Binoviewer and Glasspathcorrectors
- bThe complete range of Hyperion-, Morpheus and Classci Orthos Eyepieces
- As well as numerous filters in standard sizes.
Particularly popular were the C2 Swan-Band Filter (15nm ) – O-III parallel (various versions available) and the UHC-L / Ultra-L-Booster-Filter (various versions available)
Many Celestron products also attracted attention, especially the new Origins RASA 6" and the StarSense Explorer Dobsonians.
Celestron – Ringfoto Roadshow, March 12-21, 2024
We participated in Ringfoto's Roadshow in Germany: We presented the Celestron portfolio to representatives of more than 100 camera stores in Germany within 4 days and 4 cities. Feedback was very positive which also showed in many immediate initial orders of entry-level StarSense Explorer telescopes.
Central European Deepsky Imaging Conference (CEDIC), March 22-24, 2024
The European Deep Sky Imaging Conference (CEDIC) is Europe’s leading conference for deep-sky astrophotography. Baader Planetarium and Celestron Germany participated in CEDIC 2024.
Our booth provided the opportunity to experience some of the latest products firsthand, including Celestron’s RASA astrographs ( (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph), dwhich were particularly well-received by astrophotographers. We also showcased the PlaneWave DR350 Astrograph mounted on a L-350, 10Micron products, as well as the new TEC APO 200 f/11Apochromaten.
Die CEDIC 2024 bot eine ideale Plattform, um Innovationen vorzustellen und mit der Astrofotografie-Community in Kontakt zu treten. Wir bedanken uns bei den Organisatoren und allen, die unseren Stand besucht haben.
International Fürstenfelder Naturfototage, April 19-21, 2024
Over two very cold and rainy, sometimes even snowy days, we presented the Celestron Sport Optics Portfolio to enthusiastic participants and visitors at Europe's largest nature photography conference, the Fürstenfelder Naturfototage in Fürstenfeldbruck. Not only were the binoculars and spotting scopes – from the compact Hummingbird to the impressive C5 Spektiv – met with great interest, but also the possibilities for adapting cameras of all kinds to Celestron sport optics drew significant attention.
ATT, May 4, 2024
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.
At this year's ATT in Essen we offered – interesting bargains directly for sale: including eyepieces, various accessories, Celestron binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes and much more.
At the 39th ATT, in addition to our standard product range, we presented
- the latest telescopes, including the PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 and 10Micron mounts
- our Filter-Portfolio with the latest filter models,
- the Baader 2" Cool-Ceramic Safety Herschel Prism Mark II, Baader SunDancer II H-alpha Filter and our Triband-SCT telescopes,
- interesting accessories for astrophotography, such as the IMP85 - Instrument Mulit Port 85 and the Baader Tilter systems as well as Moravian cameras, which we have recently added to our product range.
- our extensive UFC, T-2, M68 and ClickLock systems,
- as well as the brand new Celestron Origin, the Celestron StarSense Autoguider and the SykMaster Pro ED binoculars at our Celestron booth.
ATT Astrophotography Contest: This year, an astrophotography contest took place as part of the ATT, in which Mehmet Ergün participated with his stunning photo of the ISS transiting the Sun. The grand prize was a Celestron RASA 8, sponsored by Celestron Germany. We were delighted to present the prize to Ergün's representative, as he was unfortunately unable to attend due to personal reasons. Later, Herwig Diessner and Yannick Akar had the pleasure of delivering the Celestron RASA 8 to him in person.
ITV Telescope Meeting Vogelsberg, May 10-12 2024
Celestron employee Yannick Akar attended the ITV Telescope Meeting at Vogelsberg, captivating participants with the Celestron Origin and the RASA 11.
A true highlight of the event was the spectacular appearance of the Aurora Borealis, with the Northern Lights dancing across the sky during the meeting. These magical moments created an unforgettable atmosphere, making the event truly special.
Particularly striking were the images of Yannick Akar with the Celestron Origin, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the auroras.
Space Meeting Veneto, May 20-22, 2024
At Space Meetings Veneto, we showcased PlaneWave- and 10Micron products, Baader Domes as well as observatory installations designed for a wide range of scientific applications, including Space Situational Awareness (SSA), laser communication, and astronomy. Baader Planetarium specializes in the development of advanced ground station domes for Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), SSA, and Lasercom applications, as well as fully integrated, turnkey optical observatories.
For more information, visit: baader.space
Calumet Eröffnung, June 5-6 Juni & July 19-20, 2024
We were present at the Calumet store openings in Hamburg and Nuremberg, showcasing our Celestron product range, with a special focus on the popular StarSense Explorer telescopes.
The International Astronomy Show (IAS), September 14, 2024
On Saturday, September 14, the International Astronomy Show (IAS) in the UK was held as a one-day event for the first time at a new location near Coventry. With a high number of attendees, the show made a strong comeback.
Baader Planetarium showcased a wide range of products, including the UFC System, M68 Adapter, ClickLock clamps, diagonals, the Hyperion eyepieces and MaxBright II binoviewers. A highlight was the 10Micron GM2000 Mount, displayed in demo mode with a 10" Meade ACF as a counterweight, which drew significant attention.
Collaboration with Baader retailers such as Widescreen Centre (WSC), Rother Valley Optics, and FLO was also a great success.
Ringfoto – Die FOTOMESSE , September 27-28, 2024
For the first time, we participated in the Ringfoto Messe in Heilbronn. This exhibition connects Ringfoto member dealerships in Germany and Austria with producers and importers of photographic equipment and accessories. We were able to present relevant parts of the Celestron portfolio including StarSense Exlorer, Sport Optics and the brand new Celestron Origin.
Kelling Heath Star Party, October 5-6, 2024
On October 5–6, our UK representative attended the Equinox Sky Camp im Kelling Heath Holiday Park in North Norfolk the UK's largest star party brought together hundreds of amateur astronomers for a week of observation and astrophotography.
The main event day was Saturday, October 5, when several vendors showcased the latest astronomy equipment. Baader Planetarium displayed a selection of accessories that visitors could see and try firsthand.
jump2Job – Job fair, October 19, 2024
Baader Planetarium participated in the Jump2Job Job Fair at the Veranstaltungsforum Fürstenfeldbruck. The event provided students, graduates, and job seekers with the opportunity to learn about companies and career prospects in the region.
At our booth, visitors had the chance to explore Baader Planetarium as an employer. We shared insights into our work in the development and distribution of astronomical equipment as well as the turnkey installation of observatories. Additionally, we provided information about our current job openings and training opportunities.
Herbstfest Video Sauter, November 8-9, 2024
With exclusive on-site offers and many new products, we represented Celestron at the Foto-Video Sauter Herbstfest in Munich. Among the highlights were the brand-new Celestron Origin and the StarSense Explorer Technologie, as well as a wide selection of Celestron binoculars and spotting scopes.
Rencontres du Ciel et de l'Espace (RCE), November 9-11, 2024
From November 9 to 11, Baader Planetarium participated in RCE 2024, France's premier astronomy event, held in Paris. Together with our distributor Medas Instruments, we showcased some of our most advanced products and solutions for astronomy enthusiasts and professionals.
At the Medas Instruments booth, visitors could see the PlaneWave Instruments CDK14 Astrograph in action, mounted on the 10Micron GM 2000 HPS II Combi mount and Pegasus Tripod. We also introduced our new Baader Tilter, designed to optimize imaging setups and ensure precise alignment.
Thank you to everyone who visited us at the Medas Instruments booth! We look forward to seeing you again at the next RCE.
Hausmesse Photo Universal / Fernrohrland, November 15-16, 2024
On November 14 and 15, 2023, we represented Celestron at the Photo Universal / Fernrohrland Open House in Fellbach near Stuttgart. During the event, we showcased a variety of Celestron innovations, including the Celestron Origin, as well as Celestron Skymaster PRO ED binoculars.
Ringfoto Löffler & Foto Studio Becker, November 29. & 30., 2024
At Ringfoto Löffler in Freiburg and Foto Studio Becker in Heidenheim our Celestron sales team had two more opportunities to showcase the Celestron Origin – Intelligent Home Observatory live in action.
SpaceTech Expo Europe, November 19-21, 2024
From November 19 to 21, Baader Planetarium participated in the Space Tech Expo Europe, the largest B2B event for the space industry in Europe, held in Bremen.
At the heart of our booth were the PlaneWave Instruments DeltaRho 500, mounted on an L-500 Direct-Drive mount, and a 1:10 scale model of our Baader 4.2 Classic Dome (Advanced). The exhibition was complemented by extensive information about our custom observatory solutions, supporting applications such as Space Situational Awareness (SSA), laser communication, and astronomy. We integrate these and many other products into our turnkey observatories or optical ground stations for SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging), SSA, and Lasercom applications.
For more information, visit: baader.space
