King Frederik to reopen Round Tower observatory during solar eclipse

King Frederik of Denmark is set to preside over the reopening of the historic observatory atop Copenhagen's iconic Round Tower on Wednesday, August 12. The ceremony marks the completion of a significant restoration project that has revitalized both the observatory's dome and its telescope.

Adding a celestial flair to the occasion, the reopening coincides with a partial solar eclipse. From Denmark, observers will witness approximately 83% of the sun's disk obscured, an astronomical event of considerable magnitude. The next comparable solar eclipse visible from Denmark is not expected until 2039, making this a unique opportunity.

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It is a great honor for us that His Majesty the King will officiate the reopening of the Round Tower's observatory after a well-executed restoration of both the dome and the telescope.

"It is a great honor for us that His Majesty the King will officiate the reopening of the Round Tower's observatory after a well-executed restoration of both the dome and the telescope," said Jeanette Bursche, director of the Round Tower. She further noted the poetic significance of the event, stating, "The Round Tower is Europe's oldest functioning observatory building, and it is poetic that the reopening can take place during a special astronomical event."

The Round Tower, completed in 1642 under King Christian IV, was originally part of a complex designed to house an astronomical observatory, a university library, and a student church. The current observatory dome and telescope date back to 1929. The public observatory will resume its regular viewing schedule in October, coinciding with the start of the winter season when darkness allows for stargazing over Copenhagen.

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The Round Tower is Europe's oldest functioning observatory building, and it is poetic that the reopening can take place during a special astronomical event.