The Thuringian State Observatory Tautenburg (TLS) is a research institute of the Free State of Thuringia. It conducts basic research in astrophysics. The astronomers
- search for and characterize extrasolar planets,
- observe and analyze solar and stellar oscillations,
- explore gamma-ray bursts,
- investigate the processes of star formation,
- examine the structure and evolution of the Milky Way and distant galaxies,
- and track asteroids.
TLS researchers use various telescopes for their observations: TLS astronomers observe at large telescopes worldwide. The centerpiece in Tautenburg is the 2-meter Alfred-Jensch Telescope for observation in the optical spectral range. The Thuringian State Observatory also operates a station of the European radio telescope Low Frequency Array (LOFAR).
The optical Alfred-Jensch Telescope is the largest Schmidt camera in the world. Due to its design, the Schmidt mirror has a very large field of view, allowing the 2-meter telescope of the Thuringian State Observatory to observe and photograph extensive celestial objects such as galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and the orbits of asteroids well. As a universal telescope, it can be converted into a Coude telescope.
LOFAR is the world's largest radio telescope for receiving radio waves and ultrashort waves. The receiver stations are distributed across several countries in Europe: 38 stations are located at the headquarters in the Netherlands, six in Germany (one of them in Tautenburg), and others in France, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Since January 2024, LOFAR is operated by a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). The Thuringian State Observatory represents the German participants in the LOFAR ERIC.
In a modern solar laboratory, astronomers are developing instruments and a prototype for a solar observatory to continuously monitor the sun. Strong eruptions occur repeatedly on the sun, which hurl a lot of material into space. This material (plasma) can affect technological facilities in space and on Earth as a solar storm. For example, satellites for communication or navigation could fail or the power supply on Earth could be disrupted. The scientific investigation of solar activity is becoming increasingly urgent. For this reason, research into the interior of the sun and stars and their magnetic activity is being expanded as a field of research at the Thuringian State Observatory.
Currently, a total of 50 employees are employed at the Thuringian State Observatory, including 35 in the scientific field, including junior research groups and scientific assistants.
Latest News
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Reviewing extrasolar planets to find possible patterns
- Information
- 08 April 2025
The “Encyclopaedia of Exoplanetary Systems” currently lists 7.441 extrasolar planets (as of March 2025). With so many known extrasolar planets or planetary systems, astronomers try to find patterns why certain stars have planetary companions and how to characterize and group those planets. To help an... -
Partial Solar Eclipse
- Information
- 31 March 2025
On Saturday, 29. March 2025, a partial solar eclipse occurred, which was visible from Thuringia. The eclipse started with the first contact of the Moon at the edge of the solar disc at 11h27 CET and ended with the last contact of the Moon at 13h03 CET. This photo of TLS shows Sun and Moon at the tim... -
Save the Date: Open House in May
- Information
- 04 March 2025
A date for the Open House 2025 at the Thuringian State Observatory has been set. We invite all astronomy fans to spend time at the observatory in the Tautenburg Forest on Sunday, May 25. More details about the program will be announced soon. You will be able to listen to talks about stars, the sun,... -
Book on Data-intensive Radio Astronomy published
- Information
- 20 February 2025
One of the most topical issues in radio astronomy is how to process and archive huge amounts of data from modern telescopes. Researchers from the Thuringian State Observatory and the DLR Institute of Data Science in Jena have compiled expert knowledge of this topic in the book "Data-intensive Radio...
Interesting Topics
Exoplanets
How unique is our solar system in our galaxy, the Milky Way? How are planets actually formed? How common are extrasolar planets? And what conditions must be present for life to arise on planets ? Astronomers at the Thuringian State Observatory have been studying ...Read more
Galaxies, Galaxy Clusters, Quasars
Since light travels at a finite speed, looking deep into space is also a look back into the history of the universe. In recent decades, it has become possible to look so deep into the universe that observations reveal cosmologically relevant developmental effects on large scales...Read more
2-m Universal Mirror Telescope
The centerpiece of the Tautenburg Observatory for optical spectral range observations is the 2-m Universal Mirror Telescope. When it was first commissioned, it was one of the five largest telescopes in the world. In 1992...Read more
History of TLS
The history of the observatory in the Tautenburg Forest begins shortly after the Second World War. It is influenced and shaped by the political events of the post-war period: the division of Germany. Find out more about the background and the exciting development of the institute.Read more
Team
Job Postings
Project engineer (m/f/d) for mechanical engineering, precision engineering or similar
20.02.2025
The Thuringian State Observatory (TLS) is a research institution of the state of Thuringia near the university city of Jena. The TLS conducts research in a variety of areas of astrophysics and develops modern optical instrumentation for the research facilities of the TLS and as part of national and international projects. The post holder will work closely with scientists, optics developers and the TLS workshops.
Tasks include, among others:
- The independent production of 3D designs for opto-mechanical assemblies in accordance with the optical specifications and the requirements for the design and utilization of the respective instruments
- Collaboration in the international ELT-ANDES project, in which the TLS is involved
- Simulation (ANSYS, 3D-CAD analysis) of mechanical and thermal properties
- Support with the commissioning and maintenance of instruments
- Preparation of documentation in English in accordance with the project specifications
The full job ad as PDF can be downloaded here.
We stand for an open-minded Thuringia
The Thuringian State Observatory in Tautenburg is a research institution that promotes diversity and individuality based on respect and tolerance, and opposes anti-democratic and discriminatory tendencies. For this reason, we support the initiative "Weltoffenes Thüringen" (Open-minded Thuringia). The decentralized, networked initiative aims to send a signal that many people, institutions, associations, and companies in the state stand for a democratic, diverse, and open-minded Thuringia. For more information about "Weltoffenes Thüringen" and the opportunity to support the initiative, please visit: www.thueringen-weltoffen.de
Gallery
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