Astrophysics Astronomy and Space Sciences in the History of the Max Planck Society This book provides the first comprehensive historical account of the evolution of scientific traditions in astronomy astrophysics and the space sciences within the Max Planck Society. Structured with in depth archival research interviews with protagonists unpublished photographs and an extensive bibliography it follows a unique history: from the post war relaunch of physical sciences in West Germany to the spectacular developments and successes of cosmic sciences in the second half of the 20th century up to the emergence of multi messenger astronomy. It reveals how the Society acquired national and international acclaim in becoming one of the world’s most productive research organizations in these fields