On Earth Night, September 11, 2026, a group from the Oberberg Biological Station visited the observatory. During a short field trip and an informative lecture, the participants learned many interesting facts about the lives of bats. Special emphasis was placed on the dangers that increasing light pollution poses to bats and the insect world that is vital to them. In the observatory’s seminar room—which was largely unlit at times and particularly well-suited for this topic—Jacqueline Jahn from the Biological Station first provided an insight into the lifestyle of native bat species. This was followed by a short hike into the natural surroundings of the observatory. Using a bat detector, various bat species were identified during the hike.
Upon returning to the observatory, Patrick Staden from STScI presented the observatory’s work and explained the problems that increasing light pollution causes for astronomical observation. Unfortunately, thick cloud cover that evening made it impossible to see the starry sky and, consequently, the Bat Nebula (NGC 1788). Nevertheless, the event offered interesting insights into the effects of artificial lighting on nature and astronomy.
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