Stargazer in the Mühlviertel: Dietmar Hager opens the star workshop

Stargazer in the Mühlviertel: Dietmar Hager opens the star workshop

A very special event will take place in Linz from October 23rd. Hand and microsurgeon Dietmar Hager, who is also known as an astronomy enthusiast, opens his pop-up gallery entitled “Sternwerkstatt”. The aim of the project is to make the infinite expanses of the universe tangible for people. The exhibition, which will be on view until December 30, includes fourteen remarkable astrophotos that have received awards from NASA.

Dietmar Hager's love for the stars began in his childhood, when he explored the celestial bodies with borrowed binoculars. This fascination not only led him to become a member of the Linz Astronomical Society, but also to hours at the Kepler Observatory. After successfully completing his medical studies, inspired by the artistic anatomical work of Leonardo da Vinci, Hager earned a place in surgery and now leads international training courses in his specialist discipline.

A look at the stars

Parallel to his medical career, Hager also made notable strides in astronomy. He built his own observatory in the Mühlviertel, the Stargazer Observatory, and constructed a telescope there. With this telescope he has the opportunity to create impressive astrophotos that have received international recognition, even from NASA. His work has been done in collaboration with various observatory institutions and he has made a name for himself as an ESO Outreach Ambassador and as a member of the Royal Astronomical Society. Most recently he was also involved in the creation of a 3D astro show at the Ars Electronica Center Linz.

The “Sternwerkstatt” will be open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Particularly noteworthy is Hager's book presentation on November 12th at 7 p.m., where he will present his first literary work entitled “The Magic of the Stars and the End of the Night.” This book addresses the widespread problem of light pollution and its impact on the visibility of stars. Anyone interested can register via the official “Sternwerkstatt” website by November 5th to take part in the presentation.

For many, this exhibition will be not only an opportunity to experience Hager's impressive photography, but also a way to learn more about the challenges of modern astronomy. The “Star Workshop” suffers from a growing problem that affects many stargazers – the light of cities overpowering the beauty of the night. With his exhibition and book, Hager hopes to raise awareness about preserving the night sky and get more people excited about the stars.

Further information is on www.meinkreis.at to find.