Max Planck Institute for Astronomy

Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
MPIA logo
Founder(s)Hans Elsässer
Established1969
FocusAstronomy
Managing DirectorLaura Kreidberg
Key peopleMyriam Benisty, Hans-Walter Rix
AddressKönigstuhl 17, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Location, ,
WebsiteOfficial website

The Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, MPIA) is a research institute of the Max Planck Society (MPG). It is located in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany near the top of the Königstuhl, adjacent to the historic Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Königstuhl astronomical observatory. The institute primarily conducts basic research in the natural sciences in the field of astronomy.

In addition to its own astronomical observations and astronomical research, the Institute is also actively involved in the development of observation instruments. The instruments or parts of them are manufactured in the institute's own workshops.