The Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) in Bonn is dedicated to researching astronomical objects through radio and infrared emissions. Objects investigated include:

• the Sun and other objects in the solar system
• stars, supernova remnants and pulsars
• interstellar gas and nebulae
• the centre of the Galaxy
• radio galaxies
• external galaxies
• quasars

In cooperation with international partners, the four research groups at the Institute explore the mysteries of the evolution of the universe. The largest and most important astronomical observatories worldwide are employed in this research.

On May 12, 1971, the 100-m radio telescope at Bad Münstereifel-Effelsberg was officially opened; the regular observing program began on August 01, 1972. For more than 30 years the Effelsberg telescope became the largest fully steerable radiotelescope in the world. During the last four decades the telescope and its receivers were continuously improved. The 100-m telescope is stilla world-class instrument for astronomical observations.