Day of the Geotope 2023
Museum für Naturkunde: In search of clues at the "Window into the Earth's History" on 17 September, 10 am to 5 pm, Glockenstraße 16
On Sunday, 17 September, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., interested visitors are invited to the scientific excavation site "Window into the Earth's History" at Glockenstraße 16 for Geotope Day. You can watch excavation work and find out what it has in common with solving a criminal case.
The geoscientific excavation on the Sonnenberg is like a criminal case that is solved piece by piece.
Participation is free of charge. Registration is not required.
The volcanic eruption that covered an entire forest with all its inhabitants 291 million years ago under layers of rock several metres high could not be observed by anyone. That's why today we have to explore the hidden world beneath Chemnitz and search for clues like detectives. This works particularly well on the excavation at the "Window into the Earth's History" on the Sonnenberg. The excavation field has changed a lot during this season's search for clues: Several tonnes of fossilised volcanic ash were moved and a long trench was pulled through the excavation tent. Five fossilised tree trunks were uncovered, which provide further clues as to what life was like back then.
On Geotope Day, the excavation team will once again be digging live for fossils and telling curious visitors exciting stories about fossilised giant trees, small prehistoric dinosaurs and amorous scorpions. Young researchers can also put their detective instincts to the test by solving a quiz or the "case of the missing pebbles" in a re-enacted excavation situation. At the end, the young detectives will of course receive a small prize.
Day of the Geotope
On Geotope Day on 17 September, various institutions throughout Germany invite visitors to experience geological history up close with experts. Various excursion destinations can be visited - quarries, mineral sites, mines and also the excavation at the "Window into Earth History" of the Chemnitz Museum of Natural History.
There are also exciting things to experience on Geotope Day at the Geopark Porphyry Land, partner of the Museum für Naturkunde Chemnitz since 2022. In Leisnig, a geotour through the courtyards of Mildenstein Castle starts at 3 pm and the world premiere of the audiovisual composition "Ursprung, Lauf, Zeitflug" at 5.30 pm in the Forte Belvedere. There is also a programme on Rochlitz Hill from 10 am to 4 pm. Among other things, ornithologist Jens Hering will be presenting the book "Rudolf Zimmermann - Pioneer of Animal Photography" at 2 pm. Zimmermann's accompanying exhibition can be viewed at the Museum of Natural History Chemnitz until 15 October.
The Geotope Day is an initiative of the German Geological Society - Geological Association and has been held on the third Sunday in September since 2002. The complete programme can be found at: www.tag-des-geotops.de