Ole Rømer Observatory, Aarhus

The Ole Rømer Observatory, located in the suburb of Højbjerg in Aarhus, is a significant institution both as an astronomical observatory and a museum. Established in 1911, the observatory was originally used by German private astronomer Friedrich Krüger. Named after the distinguished Danish astronomer Ole Rømer, the observatory's buildings are fine examples of Danish art nouveau architecture, a style locally known as Skønvirke, and were listed in 2006 for their architectural significance.

Today, the Ole Rømer Observatory is managed by Aarhus University and serves dual functions: it supports the university's Institute for Physics and Astronomy as a research and training facility, and it operates as a museum that offers public education through guided tours, lectures, and presentations on a variety of astronomical topics.

The observatory's facilities include two 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes which are used during public events for stargazing, allowing visitors to observe the night sky and explore celestial phenomena like the Moon’s craters, Saturn's rings, distant galaxies, and constellations. This educational outreach is a part of the observatory's foundational mission to facilitate public engagement with science.

Additionally, the observatory is home to Denmark's largest working telescope, boasting a 70 cm mirror that allows for exceptionally clear views of the night sky, akin to observing through a 70 cm eye. This makes the Ole Rømer Observatory a central feature in Aarhus' new Science Park, a hub designed to bring science closer to the public both during the day and night under the star-studded sky.

The historical building also includes a residential house, which was once the home of the observatory director and is now used as a guest house for visiting researchers. This blend of rich history, scientific research, and public education makes the Ole Rømer Observatory a prominent and cherished institution in Aarhus.