On August 12, 2026, the German Mining Museum in Bochum and the “ Department ” for Physics and Astronomy invite you to an unforgettable evening celebrating the partial solar eclipse. All of Germany is celebrating the Long Night of Astronomy , and we’ll be there with a colorful program for the whole family!
Programme
- Watching the partial solar eclipse from a unique vantage point: high above the rooftops of Bochum on the mining derrick and relaxing on the lawn in its shadow—solar eclipse glasses included
- Hands-on activities for all ages: Build your own pinhole camera and create a model of the Earth-Moon system out of felt.
- Live streamsof the solar eclipse, showing the event from different angles and making the experience even more intense.
- Short Presentations the German Mining Museum in Bochum and the Astronomy Institute at Ruhr University Bochum, which offer fascinating insights into astronomy and current research:
- Why isn't there a solar eclipse every month?
- Solar Eclipses and Astrophysical Research
- Planets, Forecasts, and Mineral Resources: Astrological Calendars and the Knowledge of Miners
- When will the next solar eclipses occur, and why?
- Appropriation of Cosmic Iron in Art and Technology (preliminary)
- Asteroids and Space Mining
Refreshments are also available: At the mining tower, the Kumpels serves cold drinks, and on Europaplatz in front of the museum, you’ll find a delicious selection of food from the food truck.
After sunset, we invite you to wind down the evening on the Bergbau Meadow. With a little luck, you might even be able to admire the Perseids in the night sky.
Tickets
There are 3 different ticket categories to choose from:
- A special evening on the mining tower (sold out!):
Ticket includes the best view of the solar eclipse—62 meters above the city’s rooftops—access to the full program of events, and solar eclipse glasses
Mining Tower Tickets - Solar Observer (sold out!):
Ticket includes access to the full program of events: lectures, livestreams, and hands-on activities. For solar observation, you’ll receive solar eclipse glasses and can make yourself comfortable on a lounge chair or picnic blanket on the lawn. No access to the observation platform.
Price: €5, €3 (reduced)
Tickets for solar researchers
- Sun Worshipper (sold out!):
Ticket includes solar eclipse glasses and a picnic blanket. No access to the scaffolding or the museum’s supporting program.
Price: 3€
Tickets for Sun Worshippers
This event is suitable for children ages 5 and up.
Where? German Mining Museum Bochum, Am Bergbaumuseum 28, 44791 Bochum
When?Doors open at6:00 p.m., program runs until 8:30 p.m.
We look forward to experiencing this celestial event together and sharing our fascination with astronomy!