The Zimmerwald Observatory (also: Swiss Optical Ground Station) is the largest professional observatory in Switzerland. It hosts 5 telescopes with apertures from 20 cm to 1 m. Its main tasks are twofold: Satelllite laser ranging to determine precise distances to satellites and optical observations, for example of stars and other objects.
The Observatory is providing observation infrastructure and/or observation services for
- the research project of the institute
- international services
The Observatory shall
- optimize the availability of the infrastructure/services
- improve existing and develop new observation capabilities (techniques)
- Further strengthen its standing in the international community and as a national infrastructure
The Observatory shall efficiently use its limited resources
- e.g. by balancing manual and highly automated operations
- 24/7 Operations
- 2 shifts staffed: daytime, nighttime
- early morning/early evening: automated operation
