Peter Weilbacher

Dr. Peter Weilbacher is a Scientific Staff member at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), working within the 3D and Multi Object Spectroscopy research group. His work focuses on integral field spectroscopy and its application to various astronomical objects including starburst galaxies, interacting and merging galaxies, and dwarf galaxies.

Dr. Weilbacher specializes in integral field spectroscopy with particular expertise in data reduction methods and software. His research interests span galaxy evolution studies, instrument development, and data visualization techniques. He has made significant contributions to major astronomical instrumentation projects, particularly the MUSE spectrograph where he designed its data reduction software and wrote most of the code.

His recent publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple domains of observational astrophysics, with a strong emphasis on using integral field spectroscopy to study galaxy structures, kinematics, and evolution. His work spans from nearby galaxies like the Orion Nebula and Antennae Galaxy to distant quasars and the circumgalactic medium, showing both depth in specific systems and breadth across cosmic time.

Dr. Weilbacher is currently leading AIP's contribution to the development of the BlueMUSE integral-field spectrograph while also contributing to the commissioning of the 4MOST spectrograph and studies for the Wide-Field Spectroscopic Telescope. His work bridges instrumental development with cutting-edge astrophysical research, making him a key figure in advancing observational capabilities in extragalactic astronomy.