Tautenburg Solar Laboratory (TauSoL)

A new observation facility is currently under construction at the Thuringian State Observatory: the Tautenburg Solar Laboratory (TauSoL). In future, the sun will be observed in the container-based laboratory. The laboratory will also be used to develop a prototype for telescopes whose data can be used to explore the interior of the sun (see also asteroseismology). A twelve meter long and almost 2.5 meter wide container with a 4 meter high dome will be set up not far from the Alfred Jensch telescope. Sunlight is directed into the interior via two mirrors. The air-conditioned container contains a permanently installed telescope that produces an image of the entire visible solar disk. Up to three scientists or technicians will then carry out various tests with telescopes and spectrometers in the integrated optics laboratory. The illustration shows a computer graphic of the future solar laboratory. The foundations and access routes are currently being constructed at the TLS. Containers and the frame with dome and mirror system for capturing sunlight will be supplied by the Munich-based company Astelco. The interior fit-out and optical equipment of the laboratory, including telescope and spectrometer, will be carried out by TLS employees. The first observations of the sun are scheduled to begin in spring 2024.

Image: TLS/Astelco