# Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam

> research facility for astrophysics

**Wikidata**: [Q662864](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q662864)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz_Institute_for_Astrophysics_Potsdam)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leibniz-institute-for-astrophysics-potsdam

## Summary
The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) is a German research facility for astrophysics located in Babelsberg, Potsdam. Established in 1700, it operates under the Leibniz Association and conducts research in astronomy and astrophysics.

## Key Facts
- Founded on May 18, 1700 ( predecessor institution)
- Located at An der Sternwarte 16, 14482 Potsdam, Germany, in the Babelsberg district
- Coordinates: latitude 52.405°N, longitude 13.1042°E
- Current director is Matthias Steinmetz, who has held the position since 2002
- Official name: Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP)
- Part of the Leibniz Association and classified as a private foundation
- Research focuses on astronomy and astrophysics
- Website available in German and English at https://www.aip.de/

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam founded?
A: The institute was founded on May 18, 1700, though this date refers to its predecessor institution. It has evolved significantly over its long history, including a name change in 2011 to its current designation.

### Q: What research areas does the institute focus on?
A: The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam specializes in astronomy and astrophysics, conducting research in these fields as its primary scientific focus.

### Q: Who currently leads the institute?
A: Matthias Steinmetz has served as the director of the institute since 2002, overseeing its research activities and operations.

### Q: What is the relationship between AIP and the Leibniz Association?
A: The institute is a member of the Leibniz Association, Germany's largest scientific organization. It operates under the association's umbrella while maintaining its independence in research activities.

## Why It Matters
The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam represents a significant scientific institution in Germany with a continuous history of astronomical research spanning over 320 years. It serves as a crucial hub for advancing knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics, contributing to Germany's position in international space research. The institute's membership in the Leibniz Association underscores its importance to the national research landscape, providing infrastructure and collaborative opportunities that enhance Germany's competitive edge in space science. Its location at the historic Babelsberg site connects contemporary research with a rich observational tradition, bridging past achievements with future discoveries.

## Notable For
- One of Germany's oldest research institutions with astronomical roots dating back to 1700
- Transitioned from the former Astrophysikalische Institut Potsdam to its current name in 2011
- Operates from the historic Babelsberg observatory site with significant observational history
- Maintains an international presence with social media accounts in English and multiple language versions of its website
- Part of Germany's prestigious Leibniz Association, indicating national scientific importance

## Body
### History and Development
The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam traces its origins to May 18, 1700. The institute has undergone several name changes throughout its history, operating as "Astrophysikalische Institut Potsdam" from 1992 until April 14, 2011, when it adopted its current name "Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam" on April 15, 2011. The institute has had several notable directors throughout its history, including Hermann Carl Vogel (1882-1907), Oswald Lohse (acting director 1907-1909), and the current director Matthias Steinmetz (since 2002).

### Location and Facilities
The institute is situated at An der Sternwarte 16 in the Babelsberg district of Potsdam, Germany, with postal code 14482. Its precise location has coordinates 52.405°N latitude and 13.1042°E longitude. The facility operates from the historic Babelsberg observatory site, maintaining connections to Germany's rich tradition of astronomical observation. The institute also operates a library known as "Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) Library."

### Organizational Structure
The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam operates as a private foundation under German law. It is a member of the Leibniz Association, Germany's largest scientific organization, and also belongs to the Informationsdienst Wissenschaft and the German National Research Data Infrastructure. The institute has its headquarters in Potsdam and maintains legal entity identifier 391200GN0MR8WWYBTU10, with tax-exempt status under the German Fiscal Code.

### Research and International Connections
The institute focuses its research activities on astronomy and astrophysics. It maintains international connections through its website available in German and English, and participates in global academic networks. The institute has various identifiers including ORCID (03mrbr458), GRID (grid.423694.e), and ISNI (0000000100611803). It also maintains social media presence on Twitter (@AIP_Potsdam) and Mastodon (AIP_Potsdam@astrodon.social), with approximately 500 followers as of 2024.

### Communication and Outreach
The institute can be contacted via email at info@aip.de and maintains active communication channels. Its outreach extends to multiple languages, with Wikipedia articles available in Arabic, English, German, Spanish, Estonian, French, Italian, and Japanese. The institute also participates in the Open GLAM Survey, indicating engagement with open access and cultural heritage initiatives.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.aip.de/de/institute/contact/)
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://idw-online.de/de/institution164)
5. [Source](https://www.nfdi.de/verein/#mitglieder)
6. [Source](https://www.aip.de/de/institute/history/)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Geschichte | AIP](https://www.aip.de/de/institute/history/)
9. Deutsche Biographie
10. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 31 October 2019](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20191031)
11. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 30 April 2020](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20200430)
12. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 3 August 2021](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20210803)
13. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 17 February 2022](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20220217)
14. [Source](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc)
15. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 27 June 2023](https://archive.org/details/open-glam-survey-backup-20230627)
16. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 16 May 2024](https://archive.org/details/open-glam-survey-backup-20240516)
17. GRID Release 2015-12-14
18. GRID Release 2016-12-06
19. [Open Funder Registry](http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100012439)
20. [Leibniz AIP Potsdam (@AIP_Potsdam@astrodon.social) - Astrodon - The Astro Community](https://astrodon.social/@AIP_Potsdam)
21. GERiT
22. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
23. HAL
24. [Open GLAM Survey](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc)
25. [Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/leibniz-gemeinschaft-https-www-leibniz-gemeinschaft-de-leibniz-institut-fur-astrophysik-potsdam)
26. Source