ATT-Essen - 50 days to go

50 days to go ... May 9th is the day for the ATT Essen, the ATT (Astronomie- und Techniktreff) is the biggest trade fair for amateur astronomers.

For more information see this link.

ATT Essen 2025

My first visit to to ATT Essen, the biggest European Astronomy fair, was back in 2017. I missed some editions during Covid-19 period but attend all others. This year ATT Essen celebrated40 years. Beginning of this year I submitted a couple of pictures and a short text  answerring their request "Wanted: Besucher-Statements für Jubiläumsschrift zum 40. ATT! Einsendungen mit Name und Wohnort erbeten bis 28.02.2025 an karsten.plewnia@sternwarte-essen.de. Awesome to see that my submission was published in their publication which was handed over at the entrance.

on the picture fltr: Pascal, Walter, Jean-Marie, Johan, Jean-Claude

This year only Helios colleague Johan and myself went to ATT Essen. We left very early around 7h15 which resulted in an early arrival in Essen. We parked our car at Parkplatz 1 and started electrical charging. When we arrived at the entrance it was 9h30 with a long waiting row. 

Once inside we first visited the (class)rooms with used equipment. Johan immediately bought  a set of color filters while I was looking for connectors. Around 11AM we split; Johan joined a lecture on optics and I visited the other stands. We met each other after the lecture and took a traditional German meal: Schnitzel and frites. 

Some interesting things to mention :

A modular mount was presented which has some great features. I was also impressed by the PiFinder. A rasperry Pi with camera and software which is placed on your scope (typically dobson) to find your way at the sky. If you don't have a goto.. this is a great support; cost about 400€. I finally bought a ZWO715MC camera for a reduced price. 

During the tour we met some people from Belgium: Philip from Mira, Hugo from Astromarket, Joost from Capella Hoegaarden and Daniel from our own solar chat. With Daniel, I also joined the lecture by dr. Udo Siepmann who shared his experience capturing the sun. 

Selfie with Dr. Udo Siepmann

We left around 5pm, fully satisfied and again a great ATT edition. 

Save the date :

ATT Essen.. one week to go!

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the 40th "Astronomy and Technology Meeting" (ATT) will take place in Essen. The ATT (Astronomie- und Techniktreff) is a trade fair for amateur astronomers and people of all ages interested in astronomy. It is the largest event of its kind in Europe. Here you can admire the latest telescopes and all kinds of accessories, as well as used and do-it-yourself instruments, and exchange experiences with manufacturers and experienced amateurs.

This year some new exhibitors; I'm looking forward to see  ZWO Astro and Proxisky beside the wellknown APP, Bresser, Baader, Celestron, Lunt, Teleskop-Service, Vixen, Explore Scientific, ...

ATT Essen 40 Years - May 10th

Background: On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the 40th "Astronomy and Technology Meeting" (ATT) will take place in Essen. 

Beside the exhibitors the agenda for lectures is available with a lecture on remote astrophotography and
Die aktive Sonne in Foto, Time-Lapse und radioastronomischer Beobachtung by Udo Siepmann.

I'm looking out to attend this annual event. 

ATT Essen 2024

It was my 6th time I visited the ATT Essen. This time I was a little bit nervous as I went with my new EV. But at the end... no reason to be nervous as at a walking distance 8 charging stations were available. We went with 5 collegues and two cars. It was Johan R's first visit to ATT Essen and he enjoyed it greatly. As a conclusion, ATT Essen (May 4, 2024) was again a great succes with a lot people. Lot's of material, learnings, discussion and of course some good fun! Thx to Walter, Jean-Claude, Johan R and Jean-Marie

Pascal, Walter, Jean-Marie, Johan R & Jean-Claude (from left to right)

ATT Essen: One month to go

On May 4th, the annual European largest Astronomy Fair will take place in Essen (Germany). The ATT (Astronomie udnd Technicktref) is the place to be when looking for both new and second hand astronomy material.

See for more this link.

ATT Essen 2023

ATT Essen (May 13, 2023) was again a great succes with a lot people. Lot's of material, learnings, discussion and of course some good fun! Thx to Walter & Jean-Claude. 

Jean-Claude, Walter with Baader Dados set up

Jean-Claude, Pascal, Walter and Philippe (MIRA)

Pascal, Jean Claude and Walter

Pascal and Walter with 50cm RC in the background

Long waiting row at arrival