Spektrum-Weg – Potsdam, Germany - Atlas Obscura

Spektrum-Weg

This spectrum of a star was observed by one of the world's most accurate spectrographs.  

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The main road that goes through the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics in Potsdam seems to be nothing out of the ordinary, except for a strange street sign along with a long sign that features a squiggly line. 

This line is the spectrum of a star called Epsilon Eridani and covers a staggering 118 feet (36 meters). It’s obtained with the Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument (PEPSI for short), which is one of the world’s most accurate spectrographs. 

The spectrum is one of many that are used by astronomers to study the composition, rotational velocity, and other behavior of stars and the sun. The unprecedented level of detail, printed at a scale of 1:100,000,000, makes this instrument the pride and joy of the institute.

Due to the art piece, the road was renamed to spectrum road in German (Spektrum-Weg).

Know Before You Go

The spectrum road is freely accessible during office hours. Please don't disturb the people working there.

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March 2, 2023

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