The Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics conducts experimental and theoretical investigations of physical processes on and within the Sun. It was founded in 1943; at that time the aim was to investigate the influences of solar eruptions on the ionosphere. The scientific work of the KIS centres around the origin and different manifestations of solar magnetism, solar convection, global oscillations, waves and oscillations in the solar atmosphere, and corona and solar wind.
The main focus of instrumental development is the application of adaptive optics. A new 1.5 m solar telescope is under construction. The KIS has the leading role in the joint operation of the German solar telescopes in the Observatorio del Teide, Tenerife (Image: Vacuum Tower Telescope). Its partners are three other German institutions: the Institut für Astrophysik Göttingen, the Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam and the Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung at Katlenburg-Lindau. The KIS supplies most of the supporting scientific and technical personnel. The KIS cooperates with leading research institutions in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world. Special joint instrumental developments and scientific cooperations exist with the National Solar Observatory in Tucson, USA and the High Altitude Observatory, Boulder, USA. The KIS scientific publications appear mostly in international astrophysical journals like Astronomy & Astrophysics, The Astrophysical Journal and Solar Physics. The institute informs the public by guided tours, as well asthrough the press and TV, about its research work.
