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TheSternwarte Düsseldorf (a.k.a.Sternwarte Bilk,Sternwarte Charlottenruhe;Bilk Observatory orDüsseldorf-Bilk Observatory in English) inDüsseldorf-Bilk was a private observatory founded in 1843 byJohann Friedrich Benzenberg.[1] The observatory's main feature was arefracting telescope with 1800mmfocal length. After Benzenberg's death theobservatory was bequeathed to the city ofDüsseldorf. It was destroyed by bombing in 1943.[1]
Between 1852 and 1890,C. Robert Luther discovered 24asteroids there, fromThetis, discovered on April 17, 1852, toGlauke, discovered February 20, 1890. These asteroids andplanetoids are calledthe 24 Düsseldorf planets. The asteroid4425 Bilk is named in honour of the observatory.[1]†
Near its original location, a benchmark was erected, displaying the observatory's burnt-out telescope.
51°12′27″N6°45′53″E / 51.2074°N 6.7648°E /51.2074; 6.7648
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