The Tautenburg Solar Laboratory (TauSoL) is starting observation. On Thursday, October 17th, 2024, it will be officially put into operation with a ceremony.
Guests from research, the relevant ministries, project partners, and companies involved in the construction are expected to attend the opening of the new solar laboratory at the Thuringian State Observatory. Wolfgang Tiefensee, Thuringia's acting Minister for Economic Affairs, Science and Digital Society, has confirmed his attendance.
Professor Dr. Markus Roth, Director of the Thuringian State Observatory, will welcome the guests with a short talk on “The sun - a special star for us”. After the welcoming speeches, the solar laboratory will be officially put into operation. Guests will then be able to visit the solar laboratory and learn more about its objectives, such as researching the sun's magnetic field. If the weather permits and the sun is shining, there will be an opportunity to see a live image of the sun.
The steps on the way to the new solar laboratory
April 2022:
Planning for a solar laboratory at the Thuringian State Observatory begins.
Fall 2022:
The first contracts are awarded.
Summer to winter 2023:
Start of construction; the foundation for the TauSoL container is completed.
End of January 2024:
The 12-metre-long, 5-tonne container is lifted onto the foundation with a mobile crane.
Spring and summer 2024:
interior work, installation work, assembly of the dome and heliostat
September 2024:
first tests
October 17, 2024:
Official commissioning of the Tautenburg Solar Laboratory