Astronomy

Chair for Astronomy

Head of the chair

Prof. Dr. Karl Mannheim
Tel.: 0931 31 85030

Mail

Former Heads of the chair:

1967 - 1977 Hans Haffner

1979 - 1999 Franz-Ludwig Deubner

Consultation hours

Please arrange via calling us.

Secretary's office

Peer Meißner

Telephone: 0931 31 85031

Fax: 0931 31 84603

Room: 31.02.018

Opening hours:

Mo - Thu 1.00 PM - 5.00 PM

Fr 11.00 AM - 1.00 PM

Inspiration Astronomy

The bronze sculpture “Sonnenzeichen” (Sun Sign) by Max Walter, located on the Hubland-Nord Campus, commemorates the phenomenon of solar flares, which are triggered by the upwelling of magnetic fields within the sun. The sculpture was erected in 1982 next to the University Library on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the university’s reestablishment by Prince-Bishop Julius Echter. (Photo: KM)

University Observatories 1757, 1928, 1961

Hans-Haffner School- and Observatory

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy is dedicated to the study of the universe and its components. To this end, observations are conducted across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from long-wavelength radio waves to high-energy gamma rays. Gravitational waves, cosmic ray particles, and neutrinos provide further valuable information for the astrophysical interpretation of these observations.

At the Chair of Astronomy, we focus primarily on astrophysical sources of high-energy radiation and particles, as well as on the nature of dark matter.

FOR5195 - Relativistic Jets in Active Galaxies

The DFG Research Unit FOR5195 "Relativistic Jets in Aktive Galaxies" is led and coordinated from the chair of astronomy at JMU.

Operation of large telescopes

The Department of Astronomy is involved in the operation of the MAGIC and FACT gamma-ray telescopes and is a member of the LST and CTAO consortia (Image: Department of Astronomy)

In the field of radio astronomy, the department operates the LOFAR station DE602 (Unterweilenbach near Garching) in collaboration with ECAP and MPA (Image: ASTRON).

We are a member of the German Long Wavelength Consortium (GLOW) and are actively involved in the further development of the International LOFAR Telescope in Europe and the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. Within GLOW, these efforts are coordinated through the D-LOFAR and D-MeerKAT consortia.

Through the VDR, we are actively involved in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. Our particular focus is on further developing the SKA-mid in South Africa to enable networked operations with radio telescopes in Germany, Europe, and around the world: SKA-VLBI.

SKA-VLBI

_{Picture: García-Miró}

We are members of the KM3Net neutrino observatory. We are also involved in MesMapp, a research project funded by the European Research Council.

News

February 19, 2026: Comprehensive Map of the Radio Sky Released

The LOFAR radio telescope has produced the most detailed radio map of the northern sky to date. It offers new insights into active galaxies, star formation, and rare celestial objects.

December 12, 2025: Research Unit on Cosmic Jets Gets Extended

The Würzburg-led research unit “Relativistic Jets in Active Galaxies” has been investigating the powerful plasma beams emitted by supermassive black holes since 2021. Now the DFG has extended its funding.

June 25, 2025: A World-class Telescope on the Zugspitze

A new radio telescope on Germany's highest mountain is set to uncover secrets in the depths of space. Professor Matthias Kadler from the JMU Chair of Astronomy is in charge of the project.

Bachelor's and Master's Theses

The Department of Astronomy consistently offers bachelor's and master's thesis topics across our various research groups and also announces interdisciplinary topics. Here is an overview of current topics.

Hubland Nord, Geb. 31

Picture credits