Lecture Evening "Between Heaven and Earth – Historical Astronomy and Land Surveying in the Electoral Palatinate"

The lecture evening "Between Heaven and Earth – Historical Astronomy and Land Surveying in the Palatinate" invites you on an exciting journey to the roots of modern astronomy and geodesy in our region. How was the gaze towards the stars connected to the measurement of the Earth? What roles did Schwetzingen, Mannheim, and Heidelberg play in the scientific revolution of the 18th century? "Museum Delivered to Your Home" presents three expert lectures by renowned specialists as well as a concluding short play. The event will be moderated by Lars Maurer (Museum of the City of Schwetzingen).

Program Overview
6:00 PM – Welcome and Introduction

Lecture 1: "Christian Mayer – Electoral Court Astronomer"
Speaker: Dr. Thomas Bührke
The astronomer, science journalist, and author sheds light on the life and work of Christian Mayer – from the rare transit of Venus to the construction of the Schwetzingen Castle Observatory and Mayer's discovery of double stars. As a pioneer of astronomical research in Baden, Mayer's influence extended far beyond the Palatinate.

Lecture 2: "Surveys and Maps of the Palatinate during the Age of Enlightenment"
Speaker: Wolfgang Schröck-Schmidt
The art historian and publicist introduces the world of Palatine land surveying: from early modern cartographers to Christian Mayer's scientifically grounded Palatine axis between Königstuhl and Kalmit. His maps are considered key works of the Enlightenment and have had a lasting impact on the cartography of the region.

Lecture 3: "The 'Old Observatory' in Mannheim"
Speaker: Dr. Thomas Frey
The physicist and dedicated member of the Action Alliance Old Observatory traces the history of the Mannheim star tower – from Christian Mayer's move to Mannheim to its use as a geodetic reference point for the Baden land surveying and European degree measurement.

Conclusion: Short Play "The Electoral Court Astronomer Christian Mayer"
Performers: Dr. Thomas Bührke & Wolfgang Schröck-Schmidt
An entertaining and lively finale that showcases the combative character of the Palatine court astronomer Christian Mayer.

Registration
Lars Maurer, Museum of the City of Schwetzingen
lars.maurer@schwetzingen.de
06202 / 87 – 468