Our Research
Astrophysics and solar physics
Research topics
We are interested in the Sun and other stellar systems. Solar activity and its effects on the Earth's magnetic field, for example, are at the center of our work. But other stars are also active and influence planets in their vicinity.
Projects – Collaborations – Interesting Facts
Observation stations for research and teaching
We operate the Kanzelhöhe Observatory for Solar and Environmental Research on the Gerlitzen mountain in Carinthia. As the only facility of its kind in Austria, it is dedicated to the systematic observation of the Sun and the Earth's atmosphere, as well as to the development of measurement and observation instruments.
The Lustbühel Observatory Graz (OLG) is located on the outskirts of Graz, in the district of Waltendorf. It is used primarily for the education of students studying physics at the University of Graz and, in addition, for research purposes.
Project Work
A large part of our research staff works in third-party-funded research projects, supported among others by national funding agencies such as the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). These projects typically run for about 3–4 years and address specific open questions in the field of basic research in astrophysics and solar physics (examples: CASPER, STIX, keyword: Modeling of the solar corona, stellar CMEs, Magnetic Helicity)
In addition, we are involved in projects funded by international organisations such as the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Together with international partners, we conduct joint research and, in some cases, develop structures that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and improve access to data and know-how (examples: SolarNet, SOLER, DYNASUN). ESA in particular is a long-standing partner and funding agency in numerous projects on space weather, where results from basic research are translated into applied research, and our observational data from the Kanzelhöhe Observatory are made available for operational use (ESA Space Safety).