German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits the Great Refractor at the Telegrafenberg
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Professor Matthias Steinmetz (left) in the Great Refractor.
Credit: Bundesregierung/Henning SchachtGerman Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the Great Refractor of the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) at the Albert Einstein Science Park on Telegrafenberg together with the Heads of State of Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland.
The occasion for the visit was the annual meeting of the Heads of State of the European countries that have German as an official language. After a lecture on climate policy at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the Heads of State explored the historic science site at Telegrafenberg in a walking tour. Afterwards, Professor Matthias Steinmetz, scientific chairman of the AIP, welcomed the delegation in the dome of the Great Refractor: “The visit not only gave the opportunity to present the Telegrafenberg as one of the birthplaces of astrophysics, but also to introduce the modern issues of astrophysics in numerous conversations and to emphasise the importance of basic research for Germany as a technology location.”
The Heads of State of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland meet every year at different locations for an informal meeting – this year it is Germany's turn. Last year, the meeting was cancelled due to the Corona pandemic.
The high-ranking guests were also able to admire the Potsdam Einstein Tower (not in the picture) from the balcony of the Great Refractor.
Credit: Bundesregierung/Henning Schacht
AIP scientist Mirko Krumpe in conversation with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Credit: Bundesregierung/Henning SchachtFurther information
PIK press release
Images
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Professor Matthias Steinmetz (left) in the Great Refractor.
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The high-ranking guests were also able to admire the Potsdam Einstein Tower (not in the picture) from the balcony of the Great Refractor.
Big screen size [1000 x 666, 160 KB]
Original size [2400 x 1600, 630 KB]
AIP scientist Mirko Krumpe in conversation with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Big screen size [1000 x 666, 70 KB]
Original size [2400 x 1600, 240 KB]
