Hermann Mucke (astronomer)

Mucke studied physics at the Vienna University of Technology but under the influence of his teacher and mentor Oswald Thomas he soon took up the challenge of adult education in astronomy.

On occasion of his retirement from both positions in 2000, the asteroid 7074 Muckea was named in honor of Hermann Mucke.

In the preceding months the solar eclipse of August 11, 1999 had further heightened his popularity, the media referring to him as Mister Sonne ("Mr. Sun").

Mucke's most significant scientific achievements were in celestial mechanics and in historical astronomy.

Taking up a concept of his teacher Thomas, he designed and established a public celestial observation post with various multimedia enhancements (the Sternengarten) close to the Wotruba Church at the Georgenberg, a hilltop in Liesing on the Southwestern outskirts of Vienna.