Simon Dannhauer
Astrophysics PhD Researcher
University of Cologne · Max-Planck Institute for Radioastronomy
I. Physikalisches Institut
Zülpicher Str. 77
50937 Cologne, Germany
Recent Highlights
Commissioning of CCAT/FYST
On-site at Cerro Chajnantor, Chile, working on the pointing camera, weather station and networking infrastructure for the telescope.
Field commissioning, May–June 2026
The ‚Diamond Ring‘ in Cygnus X
First detection of a slowly expanding ring of ionized carbon in Cygnus X — interpreted as a terminal-phase stellar wind-driven bubble.
Dannhauer et al., A&A, 2025
Globules & Pillars in Cygnus X
[OI] 63μm observation of a proplyd — tracing photodissociation regions around externally irradiated globules.
Schneider, Dannhauer et al., A&A, 2025
About Me
I am a PhD student at the University of Cologne (IMPRS for Astronomy and Astrophysics), working with Dr. Robert Simon and Dr. Nicola Schneider on massive star formation and stellar feedback in the Milky Way. I am a member of the DFG-funded SFB 1601 research center and the SOFIA FEEDBACK legacy program.
My work combines multi-wavelength observations (SOFIA, IRAM 30m/NOEMA, Herschel, APEX, …) to understand how massive stars shape their natal molecular clouds by stellar feedback and form.
Thesis: Space weather corrections for eROSITA data
Thesis: Radio AGN fraction in the first eROSITA all-sky survey
Massive star formation & ISM feedback
Beyond the Observatory
My freetime (if there is any left…) is mostly occupied by my second love, aviation. I hold licences for gliders and ultralights and try to spend most of my time on the airfield, where I also lead the maintenance work since several years. Many of the great pictures taken on my favourite place in the world, Segelfluggelände Lindlar, are found here.
I developed an early interest in physics and spent a fair amount of my school years building hybrid rocket engines, model airplanes and drones. After my Abitur in 2015 I began studying Physics/Astronomy in Bonn. My love for astronomy and photography came from my uncle (Andreas Kreck, the name patron for the garden observatory) who taught me a lot and whose huge collection of telescopes and gear led to its construction.
And most of all: I really like astrophotography.
Clear skies,
Simon
Member of the Physical Society (DPG), European Astronomical Society (EAS), Astronomische Gesellschaft (AG) and Vereinigung der Sternfreunde (VdS).
„We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.“
Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan