成立于1958年，是马克斯普朗克物理和天体物理研究所的独立分支，主攻理论天体物理学，将观察和理论结合起来。研究领域包括恒星的结构和演化、吸积现象、天体物理流体动力学、辐射过程、以及物理和早期宇宙学等，与邻近的研究所合作，提供互补的专门知识，并开展合作项目。

Founded in 1958, it is an independent branch of the Max Planck Institute for Physics and Astrophysics, specializing in theoretical astrophysics, combining observation and theory. Research areas include the structure and evolution of stars, accretion phenomena, astrophysical fluid dynamics, radiation processes, and physics and early cosmology, in collaboration with neighboring research institutes, providing complementary expertise and undertaking collaborative projects.