Classroom Under the Sky: Capturing Solar Eclipse Images with Scientific Value

Participants in the elective course “Introduction to Astrophotography” experienced a special highlight yesterday during the partial solar eclipse. Together, the students observed and photographed the rare celestial event. The images they captured vividly demonstrate how closely fascinating natural phenomena and scientific data collection can be intertwined. “The solar eclipse gives us an opportunity to collect scientific data and test the limits of our equipment. In collaboration with other professorships, it also serves as preparation for larger projects planned for the coming years,” explains Kempen.

When the sun sets, an extraordinary part of the students’ studies begins. Instead of sitting in a lecture hall, they gather around telescopes, point cameras toward the night sky, and collect data that goes far beyond creating spectacular images. At the heart of the seminar lies the question of how astronomical observations can be used for scientific applications.

Friedrich Kempen is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Aerospace at TUM after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace. In the course, he combines his enthusiasm for astrophotography with cutting-edge research, teaching students in a hands-on way how professional observations of the Earth and the sky are carried out in geodesy. “My interest began during my school years with amateur astronomy and my own telescope. Through the student club WARR Move, I discovered the astrophotography seminar and have since focused primarily on observing asteroids. Through the astronomy club, I learned about a student assistant position and have been supporting the operation and maintenance of the observatory at TUM’s downtown Munich campus since 2023. During the summer semesters, I also teach part of the seminar,” Kempen says about his academic journey.

Participants learn the technical and scientific foundations of photography and astronomy. “From determining the orbits and rotational states of asteroids, observing sunspots and Saturn’s moons, to deep-sky astrophotography of objects beyond our solar system, students gain a wide range of insights. Unplanned targets such as meteor showers like the Perseids or the occasional comet, along with the inevitable challenges posed by weather conditions and occasional equipment malfunctions, constantly keep us on our toes. Everyone also learns a great deal of patience and perseverance,” says Kempen.

As part of the seminar, students independently define a research question, investigate the current state of scientific knowledge, and apply expertise gained throughout their studies to a specific problem. The goal is to systematically analyze, evaluate, and implement scientific and technical requirements within the framework of a project. It quickly becomes clear that successful astronomical observations require much more than technical know-how. Operating a telescope is a team effort. Students organize themselves into project groups, combine different areas of expertise, and develop solutions collaboratively. Regular meetings with the instructors support project progress and provide opportunities to discuss the next stages of development.

The elective course is generally open to students from all academic disciplines. However, a basic understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering, as typically acquired in an undergraduate engineering program, is recommended. Successful completion of the course awards students three ECTS credits. The seminar concludes with a presentation of at least 30 minutes, during which the teams present their research question, methodology, and the scientific and technical results of their project.

In this way, the seminar offers a unique gateway to astronomy: the night sky becomes not only a fascinating object of observation, but also an open-air laboratory.