It is synonymous with complex research and is also a fascinating hobby for many people: astronomy. In order to combine astronomical science with regional educational work and to work together more effectively on comprehensive observations in future, ten partners from the region have founded the Weser-Ems Astronomy Network (ANWE) at the university. In addition to the university, the network also includes the Emden-Leer University of Applied Sciences and the Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven-Oldenburg-Elsfleth as well as a total of seven astronomical associations from Papenburg to Bremerhaven.
The Bremerhavener Sternfreunde, the Astronomische Vereinigung Oldenburger Sternfreunde, the Astronomie Club Ostfriesland, the Astronomische Verein der Volkssternwarte Papenburg, the Papenburger Sternwarte, the Astronomische Verein Wilhelmshaven-Friesland (AVWF) and the Astronomie-AG at the University of Oldenburg, which is based on a student initiative, want to work together with the three participating universities to cultivate, promote and further develop astronomy and astrophysics in theory and practice. Plans include joint astronomical observations, the development of their own astronomical technology, lectures and public events.
"The co-operation between amateur and scientific astronomy makes a valuable contribution to research," said the university's Vice President for Research and Transfer, Prof. Dr Christiane Thiel, at the opening of the founding symposium on the Wechloy campus. She emphasised the interdisciplinary nature of astronomy, which encompasses mathematics, physics, chemistry, geosciences and biology. "The often complex observations can only be carried out together in their entirety," added Prof Dr Björn Poppe, Professor of Medical Physics and Head of the Department of Medical Radiation Physics and Space Environment. It is therefore only logical and important to disseminate research results and knowledge from all areas of astronomy to society.
As one of the initiators of the network, AVWF Chair Andreas Schwarz emphasised that all participating institutions and associations could now contribute their main areas of work, skills, knowledge and strengths, support each other and at the same time serve the common good. For him personally, astronomy is "a fascinating adventure that lasts a lifetime - with an almost infinite pool of still unexplored things". The founding of ANWE was a joint initiative of the AVWF, the Astronomy Club Ostfriesland and the Astronomische Vereinigung Oldenburger Sternfreunde.
The ten founding members of the network initially elected astrophysicist Andreas Schwarz as the first ANWE coordinator for a period of one year and radiation physicist Björn Poppe as his deputy. Each of the ten partners delegates one person to the co-operation council.
