DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing Inspires with Gravity Research at „Nacht, die Wissen schafft“
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing (DLR-SI) took part in the „Nacht, die Wissen schafft“ – the open house event of Leibniz University Hannover – with an impressive exhibition stand dedicated to the topic of gravity measurement.
From Historical Pendulums to Cutting-Edge Quantum Sensors
At the heart of the exhibition stood a Foucault pendulum, vividly demonstrating the Earth’s rotation and symbolizing the historical roots of gravity measurement. The installation was complemented by an engaging presentation of the evolution of gravimetry – from classical mechanical methods to the latest technologies in quantum physics.
Next-Generation Quantum Gravimeters
Particular interest was sparked by DLR-SI’s research on the development of atomic quantum gravimeters. These highly precise instruments exploit the wave nature of atoms to detect minute variations in the Earth’s gravitational field – a quantum leap in geodetic measurement technology.
Hands-On Science
Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with researchers, ask questions, and gain a fascinating glimpse into the future of Earth measurement. Both young and old were invited to determine gravity themselves – by measuring the pendulum’s frequency using a stopwatch.
