Annual meeting of the German Astronomical Society returns to the heart of Europe after 100 years
From 15th to 19th September 2025, the German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA) in Görlitz, which is under construction, will organise the International Annual Conference of the Astronomical Society (AG) under the title "The restless Universe". This is the first annual meeting of the German Astronomical Society (AG) in Saxony within the past 100 years - most recently the society met in Leipzig in 1924.
The central theme of the conference is the time domain - and thus the "restless universe" itself. This refers to astrophysical processes that change over time: from short-lived events such as supernovae or gamma ray eruptions to long-term developments of stars and galaxies. The conference offers scientists a platform for intensive discussions about current findings and open questions in astrophysics. In total around 200 participants from all over Germany have registered.
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Walch-Gassner, President of the Astronomical Society, is enthusiastic about the venue of this year's conference: "I am particularly pleased that we can organise this year's annual meeting of the Astronomical Society at the location of the new DZA. The DZA will be an important new foothold for astrophysics in Germany and in particular for multi-messer astrophysics. This year's annual meeting offers the ideal opportunity to strengthen the exchange between the various astrophysical communities and to jointly shape the scientific perspectives that open up with the DZA."
Günther Hasinger: "Excellent science is home to Lusatia"
Günther Hasinger, scientific managing director, is looking forward to welcoming the Astronomical Society in Görlitz: "It is a strong signal that the international expert community will meet in Görlitz this year. The conference emphasises that excellent science can be home to Lusatia. With the AG2025, we are pleased to present the latest developments in astrophysics as well as to make Lusatia visible as a growing region of innovation and science."
The conference includes a diverse program of plenary lectures, splinter sessions, the award ceremony, a "town hall meeting" on the 2040 strategy of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and poster presentations. The joint lunches of the Astro Women's Network (Wednesday) and the Astro Diversity Network (Thursday) provide space to exchange and strengthen the networks of less visible groups in the astronomical community. In addition, there will be another update on the "memorandum", which reflects the strategic planning of astrophysics in Germany.
The main venue is the Kulturforum Görlitzer Synagogue. Other venues are the Wichernhaus, the Benigna, the youth hostel, the Silesian Museum and the Gut am See. The detailed program can be found on the AG2025 website.
A special highlight is the public evening lecture on Thursday (Sept. 18th, 2025) at 8 p.m. in the dome hall of the Kulturforum Görlitzer Synagoge. Stefan Wagner, spokesman for the astrophysics department at the DZA with a research focus on radio astronomy and mini-titator of the project, fascinates with the topic "Brighter than billions of suns: From the devil's star to the largest explosions in the universe". He introduces the "variable universe" with its fascinating phenomena - up to the brightest explosions in the cosmos since the Big Bang. Admission is free, all interested parties are cordially invited.
Weitere Details für Interessierte:
- Click here for the conference website.
- Information about the Astronomical Society can be found here.
Background to the Astronomical Society
The Astronomical Society (AG), founded in 1863, is the professional association of German astronomy and astrophysics. The working group promotes activities in science and research, strengthens the exchange between its members, brings people closer to science and promotes education. At the international level, the working group represents the common interests of astronomers in the European Astronomical Society (EAS) and in the International Astronomical Union (IAU). A central body of the AG is the Council of the German Observatory, which, as a scientific policy body, represents the common interests of all German astronomical institutions vis-à-vis funding organisations, governments, international organisations and other relevant bodies.