Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
The research focus of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research is our cosmic neighborhood: the solar system with its planets and moons, comets and asteroids as well as the sun. The aim of the scientists is to describe the processes in the solar system in models and to simulate them on the computer. In addition, instruments are being developed and built to study these bodies from space. The Institute is involved in numerous space missions.
Alexander Chizhevsky Medal for MPS Scientist
For his research findings on the historical activity of the Sun, the European Space Weather and Space Climate Association has honored Dr. Theodosios Chatzistergos from the MPS with the Alexander Chizhevsky Medal. In his research, the scientist looks into the past of our star and uses historical records and observational data to reconstruct how solar activity has developed over decades and centuries.
Award for MPS-Director
The Solar Physics Division of the European Physical Society has honored MPS Director Prof. Dr. Sami K. Solanki with the Zdenĕk Švetska Senior Prize. The award recognizes the leading role that the Göttingen scientist has for decades played in solar research. During this time, Solanki not only enriched his field of research with significant results regarding the Sun's magnetism and activity, but also played a key role in shaping and advancing crucial space missions.
A New Birthplace for Asteroid Ryugu
Asteroid Ryugu possibly did not travel as far from its place of origin to its current near-Earth orbit as previously assumed. New research suggests that Ryugu was formed near Jupiter. Earlier studies had pointed to an origin beyond the orbit of Saturn. Four years ago, the Japanese space probe Hayabusa 2 brought samples of Ryugu back to Earth. Researchers led by the MPS have now compared which types of nickel are found in these samples as well as in typical carbon-rich meteorites.
Diving into Mercury's Magnetosphere
During its flyby of Mercury in June 2023, the space probe BepiColombo succeeded in taking new measurements in the planet’s magnetosphere. BepiColombo passed through Mercury's magnetic shield for around 30 minutes, allowing the scientific instruments on board to determine the distribution and properties of charged and uncharged particles there. A group of researchers including MPS scientists report on the results in the journal Communications Physics.
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For his research findings on the historical activity of the Sun, the European Space Weather and Space Climate Association has honored Dr. Theodosios Chatzistergos from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Germany with the ...
The Solar Physics Division of the European Physical Society (EPS) has honored Prof. Dr. Sami K. Solanki, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS), with the Zdenĕk Švetska Senior Prize. The award recognizes the leading role ...
During its third flyby of Mercury in June 2023, the European-Japanese space probe BepiColombo succeeded in taking new measurements in the planet’s magnetosphere. BepiColombo passed through Mercury's magnetic shield for around 30 minutes, allowing the ...
Asteroid Ryugu possibly did not travel as far from its place of origin to its current near-Earth orbit as previously assumed. New research published today in the journal Science Advances suggests that Ryugu was formed near Jupiter. Earlier studies ...