The Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory: 45 years of cutting-edge astronomy

It has been 45 years since Calar Alto Observatory was founded. An observatory that, among its merits, has been one of the main engines of the development of astronomy in Spain and, of course, one of the foundations of the creation of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (Andalusian Astrophysics Institute). This year the observatory goes from being Hispano-German to being totally Hispanic, with the incorporation of the Junta de Andalucía as a 50% partner. This talk reviews the scientific milestones that mark its history and share the objectives of this new stage.