Thomas Granzer

Dr. Thomas Granzer serves as Section Head of Telescope Control and Robotics at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), where he leads instrumental development and observational research. His work bridges engineering and astrophysics, focusing on robotic telescope systems and advanced instrumentation for stellar and solar observations.

Granzer's research spans stellar physics, solar magnetism, exoplanet characterization, and astronomical instrumentation. He specializes in long-term monitoring of stellar activity cycles, magnetic dynamos in stars like Betelgeuse and XX Trianguli, and the development of polarimetric systems for solar studies. His instrumental work includes critical contributions to the Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument.

Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research threads: (1) high-precision stellar monitoring of magnetic activity and dimming events, (2) innovative instrumentation for polarimetry and spectroscopy, and (3) dynamical studies of stellar systems including open clusters and hierarchical binaries. His work consistently integrates observational data with advanced engineering solutions.

Granzer collaborates extensively across AIP's research sections, particularly with High-resolution Spectroscopy and Polarimetry, Solar Physics, and Stellar Physics groups. His leadership in Telescope Control and Robotics supports multiple observatory systems, including the Einstein Tower and Great Refractor facilities at the Potsdam campus. He maintains active partnerships with the University of Potsdam for student research projects and thesis supervision.