Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics, Potsdam

The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) is a German research institute specializing in astrophysics. It serves as the successor to the Berlin Observatory, founded in 1700, and the Astrophysical Observatory Potsdam (AOP), established in 1874. Notably, the AOP was the first observatory in the world to focus specifically on astrophysical research. The AIP was established in 1992 following the reunification of Germany as part of a restructuring effort. Additionally, the AIP manages the Einstein Tower solar observatory and the historic great refractor telescope situated on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam.

The AIP conducts research in diverse astrophysical areas, including cosmic magnetic fields, solar and stellar physics, stellar and galactic evolution, extragalactic astrophysics, and cosmology. Renowned for its expertise in spectroscopy and robotic telescope technologies, the institute collaborates on major international projects like the Large Binocular Telescope in Arizona and contributes to instrumentation for large telescopes, such as the ESO's Very Large Telescope. The AIP also participates in e-science projects, enhancing digital and computational tools for astronomy.

The Berlin Observatory gained international fame in 1846 when Johann Galle discovered Neptune. Notable achievements include Eugen Goldstein's discovery of canal rays in 1886 and Karl Küstner's observation of Earth's pole altitude variation in 1888. Under Wilhelm Foerster's leadership, the observatory affiliated with the University of Berlin and helped establish astronomical observatories in Potsdam, including the AOP in 1874, with the Berlin Observatory moving to Babelsberg in 1913.

Today, the AIP continues this legacy of astronomical excellence, contributing significantly to the global understanding of the universe through its research, technology development, and international collaborations.