Chemnitz Children's University: Space adventure with Dirk Schlesier!

Chemnitz Children's University: Space adventure with Dirk Schlesier!

On May 10, 2025, a special event will take place in Chemnitz: the Chemnitz Children's University. This event will begin at 4 p.m. in the central lecture hall and seminar building of Chemnitz University of Technology. Dirk Schlesier, director of the Halle (Saale) Planetarium, is expected as a guest speaker. His special lecture is entitled “Spacetour – a space flight from Chemnitz to the black hole”. This lecture is part of the comprehensive “TUCtag” program, which runs from 1 p.m. to midnight and offers numerous activities.

The event is specifically designed for junior students aged seven to twelve. There is an exciting outdoor program for the young participants, which is organized by the Creative Center at Chemnitz University of Technology. Experiments to discover the solar system are planned here, accompanied by a paper airplane competition. In addition, telescope observations and astrophotography are carried out by amateur astronomer Dr. Andreas Gester presents. In order to offer the little guests and their parents a holistic experience, culinary offerings such as “Mondburger” and “Meteoritenteller” are also provided by the Chemnitz-Zwickau student union.

Dirk Schlesier and his passion for astronomy

Dirk Schlesier is not only the director of the planetarium in Halle, but also a committed astronomy enthusiast. His passion for astronomy was sparked with his first telescope, which he received at the age of 14. Today he owns three telescopes, of which he primarily uses a smaller one for sky observations. He combines his fascination for astronomy with various disciplines, be it philosophical, mathematical or historical. This is also proven by his study of geology at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, as direct study of astronomy was not possible. A focus of his studies was planetary science, which is closely linked to astronomy.

As part of his work, Schlesier attaches great importance to getting the younger generation in particular excited about astronomy. This is also reflected in his involvement in the “Astrolinos”, a project run by the astronomy association that introduces children to science. His diploma thesis, which included a digital 3D model of the geological subsurface of Halle, was awarded in 2012. Schlesier is striving to develop the planetarium into a regional “lighthouse”.

TUCday program

The “TUCtag” will begin on May 10, 2025 with an “open day” and include a 12th international alumni meeting. It ends with the “Long Night of Science”, which is sure to attract many visitors. A highlight are certainly the various program items that focus on both Reichenhainer Straße and the Straße der Nations. The Chemnitz Children's University is a central component that has attracted many young science enthusiasts in recent years.

Participation in the event is free and prior registration is not necessary. For further information or if you have any questions, the organizers are available on 0371 531-13300 or by email at kinderuni@tu-chemnitz.de.

For more detailed information about the children's university, the Chemnitz University of Technology offers extensive details on its website. The Halle Planetarium shows itself to be a valuable partner in teaching astronomy to young people by supporting events like this.

May 10, 2025 will not only be a festive but also an educational day for young astronomy fans in Chemnitz.

Find out more about this and other exciting events on the relevant websites: TU Chemnitz, Campus Halensis as well as Planetarium 100.