Local Man Builds Observatory on His Home, Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream

Zellewitz, Saxony-Anhalt - Uwe Meiling, a resident of the small village of Zellewitz, has turned his childhood passion for astronomy into a remarkable reality by constructing an observatory atop his home. This unique addition, featuring a striking white dome, is now home to what is believed to be the largest privately-owned Zeiss telescope in Europe.

Meiling's fascination with the cosmos began in his youth, but owning a telescope was something he never imagined possible. The opportunity arose when he learned about a telescope previously owned by a local business owner in Alsleben, just eight kilometers away. When the owner passed away in 2013, his family sought to dispose of the telescope, prompting Meiling to seize the moment.

For a modest price, he purchased the entire setup, which included the dome measuring approximately 4.30 meters in diameter. Utilizing a 40-ton crane, he transported the observatory to his home in Zellewitz and installed it alongside his residence. The telescope itself was secured on a substantial concrete foundation to ensure stability.

Initially, Meiling faced resistance from his wife, who was apprehensive about the costs associated with the project. Despite her initial reluctance, she has since come to accept his ambitious hobby.

Meiling's journey into astronomy took a serious turn in 2018 when he began diving into various technical texts related to the field. With newfound knowledge, he started observing and photographing celestial bodies, with the moon quickly becoming his primary focus. His efforts even garnered international attention when he captured impressive images of the Arzachel crater on the moon.

Now, whenever the weather permits, Meiling can be found in his observatory, dedicating time to explore the night sky. He notes that clear skies allow for observations roughly twice monthly, and he has even spent nights there to fully immerse himself in his passion.

Meiling's commitment to his hobby has led to continuous discoveries, as he frequently encounters new phenomena such as shadows, intriguing structures, and color variations on the moon's surface.