# Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge

> astronomy department of the University of Cambridge

**Wikidata**: [Q6039897](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6039897)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Astronomy,_Cambridge)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-of-astronomy-cambridge

## Summary
The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) is the astronomy department and a dedicated research institute of the University of Cambridge. Located in Cambridge, United Kingdom, it was founded in 1972 and serves as a center for astrophysical research and education.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As**: IoA; ケンブリッジ大学天文学研究所; 劍橋大學天文學研究所.
- **Parent Organization**: University of Cambridge.
- **Inception**: 1972.
- **Location**: Cambridge, United Kingdom (Madingley Road, Postal Code CB3 0HA).
- **Coordinates**: 52.2141° N, 0.0934° E.
- **Primary Field**: Astronomy.
- **Instance of**: Research institute.
- **Official Website**: http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/
- **Affiliated Personnel**: Collin Politsch (American statistician, computer scientist, and astrophysicist).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Institute of Astronomy?
A: The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) is the astronomy department of the University of Cambridge. It is a research institute focused on the study of astronomy and astrophysics.

### Q: When was the Institute of Astronomy founded?
A: The Institute of Astronomy was established in 1972. It is located in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

### Q: Where is the Institute of Astronomy located?
A: The institute is headquartered on Madingley Road in Cambridge, United Kingdom, with the postal code CB3 0HA.

## Why It Matters
As the dedicated astronomy department of the University of Cambridge, the Institute of Astronomy (IoA) plays a critical role in the academic landscape of the United Kingdom. Its primary significance lies in its status as a specialized research institute, distinguishing it as a hub for advanced astrophysical study rather than just a teaching facility. The Institute holds substantial academic weight, evidenced by its extensive cataloging in global authority systems such as the Library of Congress, ISNI, and VIAF.

By housing a specialized library and maintaining affiliations with active researchers like astrophysicist Collin Politsch, the IoA contributes to the broader scientific community's understanding of the universe. Its establishment in 1972 consolidated Cambridge's astronomical resources, and it continues to operate as a key node in the international network of astronomical research. For students, researchers, and historians, the IoA represents the ongoing commitment of one of the world's oldest universities to front-line space science.

## Notable For
- **Academic Integration**: Serves as both a research institute and the astronomy department for the University of Cambridge.
- **Global Identification**: Holds extensive international identifiers including ISNI (0000000403701638), VIAF (146495708), and a Library of Congress Authority ID (n94024955).
- **Specialized Assets**: Maintains a dedicated library recognized under the Archon Code 1062.
- **Research Focus**: Classified strictly as an organization whose primary purpose is research in the field of astronomy.
- **Cultural Presence**: Features an Art UK venue ID and a dedicated Wikimedia Commons category, reflecting its architectural and academic visibility.

## Body

### Organizational Status
The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) is a research institute that functions as the astronomy department of the University of Cambridge. It is classified organizationally as an entity whose primary purpose is research. The institute is located in the United Kingdom and falls under the parent organization of the University of Cambridge.

### Location and Contact
The headquarters of the Institute is situated in Cambridge, specifically on Madingley Road. The precise geographical coordinates are 52.2141 latitude and 0.0934 longitude. The postal code for the institute is CB3 0HA. The official website is accessible at http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/.

### History and Identifiers
The institute was established in 1972. It maintains a robust presence in academic and library databases through various identifiers:
- **ISNI**: 0000000403701638
- **VIAF ID**: 146495708
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n94024955
- **Ringgold ID**: 151955
- **HAL Structure ID**: 510162
- **Archon Code**: 1062 (specifically for the Cambridge University: Institute of Astronomy Library)
- **Yale LUX ID**: group/500e78ea-4944-4d47-9196-b47810e41a4d
- **Art UK Venue ID**: institute-of-astronomy-university-of-cambridge-7194

### Affiliations
The institute is affiliated with various researchers and scientists. Notable available records indicate an affiliation with Collin Politsch, an American statistician, computer scientist, and astrophysicist.

## References

1. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. HAL