About me
I'm Stefan Gotthold, a graduate engineer in technical computer science in mechanical engineering – passionate about communicating astronomy and developing hands-on education and tech formats.
Astronomy & Education
Raspberry Pi & Sensing
Citizen Science
PHP / Python
InfluxDB / Grafana
What I'm working on
AllSkyKamera network
Developing and operating several Raspberry-Pi-based all-sky cameras at different locations – including sensors (brightness, temperature, humidity), an InfluxDB data pipeline, website & visualisations (keograms, star trails, analemma).
- Data pipeline: InfluxDB → Grafana & website
- Automated image processes: keogram / star trails / analemma
- Open data & school projects
make4space (in formation)
Non-profit initiative for tech education, prototyping & STEM workshops – focusing on 3D printing, robotics, astronomy & space.
- Workshops & citizen-science formats
- Prototypes & hardware projects
- Open makerspace culture
Expertise
- Science communication & didactics: Formats for all age groups; participatory approaches & citizen science.
- Systems & data architecture: Raspberry Pi sensing, InfluxDB pipelines, visualisation with Grafana & web.
- Prototyping & hardware: Cameras, sensors (BME280, DS18B20, TSL2591), relay & fan control.
- Web & scripting: PHP (Bootstrap), Python (automation, image processing), ffmpeg, picamera2.
- Project setup & partnerships: Schools, associations, science & culture institutions.
Tech stack
PHP
Python
Raspberry Pi
InfluxDB 2.x
Grafana
MySQL
Bootstrap
ffmpeg
picamera2
OpenSpaceProject
Competencies in focus
- Web interfaces: Planning & building lean admin/front-end UIs (PHP, Bootstrap, JS).
- TinkerCAD (design): 3D parts & prototypes for camera/sensor housings.
- 3D printing: Building and developing complex models – incl. for the AllSkyKamera.
- Process optimisation: Portal programming & workflow automation (e.g. certificates, duty rosters, data pipelines).
Values
Openness
Communicative
Competent
How I work – transparent, collaborative and solution-oriented.
Project highlights
Timeline
Apr 2022 – Jun 2025
Head of Archenhold Observatory · Stiftung Planetarium Berlin
Feb 2021 – Jun 2025
Head of Education Department · Stiftung Planetarium Berlin
Jul 2019 – Apr 2022
Site lead · Archenhold Observatory (SPB)
Jan 2012 – Jan 2014
Business Development Manager · CADFEM GmbH
Sep 2010 – Dec 2011
Consultant · CADFEM GmbH
Aug 2002 – Aug 2009
Developer · CADFEM GmbH
since 2024/25
Independent projects & initiatives · AllSkyKamera, citizen science, school workshops; make4space (in formation)
References & media (selection)
Contact
I welcome exchanges, collaborations, and invitations for talks & workshops.