Home | Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy

The image shows the large white dish of the 100-meter Effelsberg radio telescope, which is clearly visible in the foreground.
The Effelsberg Radio Observatory is located in a valley with wooded slopes in the Eifel region. The telescope and a number of observatory buildings are also visible in the image. An almost cloudless blue sky stretches across the landscape.
The photo was taken in summer by Norbert Tacken, Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy.

Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy

Auf dem Hügel 69
D-53121 Bonn - Endenich

Research Departments

Fundamental Physics in Radio Astronomy
(Michael Kramer)

Radio astronomical measurements allow the study of a variety of questions in fundamental physics. Those questions range from the equation-of-state of super-dense matter to the investigation of fundamental forces such as gravity and magnetism.

Star Formation and Galaxy Evolution
(Amélie Saintonge)

Galaxies grow and evolve through successive episodes of star formation; central to this picture are therefore the flows of gas that feed the interstellar medium, the processes that regulate the formation of stars, and the energetic feedback that returns material and energy to the larger scale environment.

Research News

A Nearby Black Hole as a Window into the Early Universe

July 03, 2026

The black hole at the centre of a nearby galaxy is growing exceptionally fast, and is producing a burst of radio emission that has never been observed before. With characteristics that are expected in the early Universe, this unique galaxy provides important insights into the processes that governed the growth of the first black holes.

A twinkling pulsar reveals invisible structures in space

May 13, 2026

Fluctuations in brightness and the elongated appearance of a stellar remnant indicate that its radiation is being scattered within an unidentified interstellar cloud located 430 light-years from Earth.

Announcements

‘Dazzling array of science’ detailed in new SKAO book

August 09, 2026

A new anthology of SKAO science has been released presenting an up-to-date picture of the vast range of astronomical research that will be enabled by the SKA telescopes.

Partial Solar Eclipse on August 12

August 07, 2026

Three astronomical institutions in Bonn are inviting the public to join them in observing the sun.

Job Offers

Unfortunately, there are currently no job offers in English. Please also visit the German job portal on this website and the central job portal of the MPG.