The 32nd Astronomical Exchange: A New Venue for Enthusiasts

The 32nd edition of the Astronomical Exchange and Flea Market (ATT) took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Gymnasium Stoppenberg, marking its second event at this new location after moving from the original site at Gesamtschule Bockmühle. This new venue has proven advantageous, offering more space and a more relaxed atmosphere for attendees.

"ATT" stands for "Astronomischer Tausch- und Trödeltreff." Since its inception in 1983, the event has transformed from a simple exchange into a comprehensive astronomy fair, catering to the dreams of amateur astronomers. Attendees can find a plethora of items including telescopes, mounts, binoculars, accessories, cameras, astro-travel opportunities, astronomical literature, meteorites, antiques, and much more. The event also facilitates networking among like-minded individuals, manufacturers, dealers, public observatories, and astronomy clubs.

Before the event opened, a large crowd gathered at the school entrance, showcasing the popularity of the ATT. The organization by the staff of the Walter-Hohmann Observatory and the many dedicated volunteers, including students and parents, was commendable.

Inside the venue, various classrooms displayed an assortment of second-hand equipment, allowing enthusiasts to browse and discover unique items.

The diversity of products available ensured that many visitors found exactly what they were looking for, including rare components that are hard to find elsewhere.

The dealer area featured numerous stands, including one from Intercon Spacetec, highlighting the extensive range of products available.

Among the offerings were high-quality spotting scopes from KOWA, some equipped with fluoride lenses. One particularly impressive piece was a versatile device with a 90 mm aperture that could be used as either a telephoto lens or a telescope, appealing to both stargazers and birdwatchers alike.

Another standout was a massive Fujinon 25 x 150 binocular, a dream item for many astronomy enthusiasts. However, its price continues to rise, and for the same amount, one could purchase a new Ford Mustang with a 5-liter V8 engine, should one need a car.

The Spektrum der Wissenschaft stand was also present, although this year without a contest, but still offered intriguing items for visitors.

Some visitors discovered unique clocks at the stand, showcasing the variety of products available.

The price range for certain devices was comparable to that of a car, particularly for those manufactured in Romania.

A young astronomer was spotted eagerly examining one of the displays, quickly identifying plush toys representing objects from our solar system.

The fascination with celestial objects was evident, with many attendees, including Tilmann Althaus from SuW, enjoying models of the Rosetta and Philae missions alongside representations of distant gas planets.

The largest stand, operated by Baader Planetarium, attracted crowds, demonstrating the event's popularity and the appeal of their products.

Astrophotographer Bernd Koch was also present, highlighting the community's passion for astronomy.

The range of astronomical objects displayed at the ATT was impressive, nearly spanning from galaxies to planets.

Without the contributions of many volunteers from the Gymnasium, the event would not have been as successful, providing essential services like coffee and currywurst.

Overall, the ATT was a delightful experience, filled with engaging encounters and a vibrant community atmosphere. The event continues to foster a love for astronomy among enthusiasts of all ages.

A notable technological marvel showcased was a camera capable of capturing stunning images even in complete darkness, a dream for photographers.

The event concluded with a look into one of the classrooms, where astronomy magazines surrounded the early technological wonders on display.

All photos in this article were taken using available light without flash, with some utilizing a fisheye lens for wide-angle shots. The images are part of an assignment for "Sterne und Weltraum." While permission was obtained from some attendees for photo use, not all were asked. If any individual wishes to contest the use of a specific image, they are encouraged to reach out for its removal.

Clear Skies!