Einstein Tower - Potsdam, Germany
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Bernd das Brot Team
N 52° 22.729 E 013° 03.831
33U E 368213 N 5804936
The sun observatory that validated Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity
Waymark Code: WM103BD
Location: Brandenburg, Germany
Date Posted: 02/17/2019
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member snaik
Views: 2
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Rear view of Einstein Tower Sun observatory on top of the tower

In addition to being a state of the art research institute, Potsdam's Einstein Tower is considered one of the world's best examples of expressionist architecture. The tower was designed by architect Erich Mendelsohn, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. It was built from 1919 to 1921.

The tower hosts a sun telescope designed by astronomer Erwin Finlay-Freundlich who developed experiments for which the general theory of relativity could be tested by astronomical observations based on the gravitational redshift.

The tower became operational as an observatory in 1924 and is still a working solar observatory today. A sign at the door (see gallery) reminds visitors that this is a working laboratory and that tours can be arranged only by appointment.

Today, the tower is part of the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam, which is also the custodian of the nearby Great Refractor Telescope.

Albert Einstein never worked in Potsdam, but he supported the construction and operation of the telescope and actually visited the tower in 1921 (picture below).

Albert Einstein at the Tower in 1921
Source: Einstein Galery

Observatory Purpose: Research

Optical / Infrared Telescopes?: No

Radio Telescopes?: No

Solar Telescopes?: Yes

Open to the Public?: No

Is this a Club Observatory?: No

Public Viewing Allowed?: Yes

Active Observatory?: Active

Number of Telescopes or Antennas: 1

Year Dedicated or Opened: 1924

Altitude (meters): 114

Site URL: Not listed
Visit Instructions:
Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)

If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!

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