Explore samples under the planetarium dome with ZEISS microscopes

Jena, Berlin | 26 March 2026 | ZEISS Group

ZEISS is sponsoring a series of events entitled "Invisible Worlds: From the Microcosm to the Universe." For the second time, these will take place at the Zeiss-Großplanetarium in Berlin to mark World Microscope Day. From April 16 to 18, 2026, the foundation Stiftung Planetarium Berlin invites visitors to participate in various activities under the dome, which are sponsored by the ZEISS Promotion Fund and Microscopy. In addition, the company is providing ZEISS Axiovert 5 and ZEISS Stemi 508 microscopes with connected cameras for the event, along with microscopy specialists to operate the systems on-site.

The week offers a varied program for all age groups: In the live microscopy show, "From Macro to Nano – On the Trail of Plastic," science journalist and brainchild behind the theme week Jochen Müller will present methods for detecting microplastics and take a live look at samples from nature, humans, and animals.

During the mega-microscopy session, visitors can view specimens and objects they have brought with them live on the planetarium dome. School groups and individuals alike can explore the world under the microscope up close. In microscopy workshops, participants will prepare specimens from samples under professional guidance. In accompanying free workshops in the foyer, visitors are invited to learn more about optics, microscopy, and light.

The program also features lectures offering insights into current research as well as the live audiovisual performance, "Echoes in Orbit," by Magnificent Matter, who will project liquids, particles, and physical processes onto the dome in real time using a ZEISS microscope, accompanied by music.

"We are delighted to be part of this special week once again and invite everyone to discover and experience the fascinating possibilities of microscopy under the dome," says Sandro Förster, Managing Director of Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH. "The program offers the perfect platform to spark young people’s curiosity and foster their interest in the natural sciences."

It has become a tradition at ZEISS to promote education and science, and it is part of the company’s very fabric. Through its Promotion Fund, ZEISS supports regional initiatives in the fields of education and training, art and culture, society and social affairs, amateur sports, and the environment. Since it was established in 2011, the ZEISS Promotion Fund has sponsored over 1,800 projects with more than 13.5 million euros.

The Stiftung Planetarium Berlin (Berlin Planetarium Foundation) unites Berlin's astronomical institutions. The Archenhold-Sternwarte (Archenhold Observatory) and the Wilhelm-Foerster-Sternwarte (Wilhelm Foerster Observatory) are among the public observatories in Germany with the richest tradition, while the Planetarium am Insulaner and the Zeiss-Groβplanetarium, as Europe’s most modern science theatres, offer relevant and innovative forms of communication.