This white paper identifies the main issues and major recommendations for German astronomical research. Their implementation will require initiative from all partners and will allow German astronomers and astrophysicists to continuously play a leading role in their field.
Preface Abstract ASTRONOMY YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW SCIENTIFIC TOPICS The Universe - Origin, Evolution and Large-Scale Structure Galaxies and Massive Black Holes Matter Cycle and Formation of Stars Formation of Stars and Planets: Protostars, Circumstellar Discs and Extrasolar Planetary Systems OBSERVATORIES AND INSTRUMENTS FOR THE NEXT FIFTEEN YEARS STRUCTURE OF ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDIX Member Institutes of the Council of German Observatories Glossary/Acronyms