IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach’s Post

Georgia State professor granted $5 million to identify and characterize objects in space, Atlanta GA (SPX) Dec 05, 2023 Georgia State Professor of Physics and Astronomy Stuart Jefferies has been awarded a $5 million, multi-institutional grant by the U.S. Air Force to develop techniques to detect, map and image faint objects in space. The work could have far-reaching impacts, including strengthening national security in an increasingly congested space domain. The work will also advance the next generation

Check this beautiful project led by Rohini Devasher The project is a multidisciplinary exploration of the complexities of observational astronomy and the ways in which ‘seeing’ is strange, wondrous, and more ambiguous than one might imagine. At the core of this iteration is the question of how perception impacts sight and transforms the object. Devasher and Legion Seven invited three creative practitioners - Day Eve, Norwin Tharayil, and Sona Shukla Sahani - to create new works in response to prompts drawn from the reflections of people looking at Saturn for the first time through a telescope. https://lnkd.in/eRuhWFdK

We are proud to co-sponsor the pivotal conference room paper, 'Protection of Astronomy and Science on the Moon,' now available on the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) website. This critical document, presented at the 67th United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), outlines the need for dedicated processes to preserve the Moon's unique scientific potential in astronomy. Developed in collaboration with the The International Astronomical Union , For All Moonkind, Inc., and the International Academy of Astronautics , this paper emphasizes the importance of safeguarding lunar sites from contamination and interference to ensure the sustainability of future scientific missions. Explore the full paper here: https://buff.ly/45ICXjz.

A new report highlights the UK's role as a Space Science Superpower! The UK Space Agency report, compiled by consultancy know.space, studied the impact of the UK’s national funding to date for the UK’s role in contributing to the European Space Agency - ESA Space Agency’s Gaia mission - (Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics). The UK Space Agency invested £23 million to date, with an additional £2.4 million from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Some key findings: 📑 Gaia papers published with UK involvement constitute 46% of total citations, while accounting for 31% of publications. 🏥 UK’s Gaia team has employed star map analytical techniques to study cancers and tumours at the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cambridge Institute. 🛰 Scientists and engineers from around the UK played key roles in the design and build of Gaia. 👩⚕️ Many PhDs have been made possible, both through research projects exploiting data from Gaia, of more specifically through Gaia related doctoral training networks, supported by UK and/or EU funding, such as the current MWGaia Doctoral Network. More here: https://lnkd.in/e9_DYTtD Universities UK Royal Astronomical Society National Physical Laboratory (NPL) UKSEDS - UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space UKspace Space Partnership #SpaceScience #Gaia #astrophysics #spacetech #astropolitics #internationalcooperation #Research

Another successful collaboration between European Space Agency - ESA and the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Department of Physics, Durham University. Link to our new paper "Line-of-sight optical Dome Turbulence Monitor": https://lnkd.in/evq9WVsP Turbulence near a telescope can have significant impact on the performance of optical systems from astronomy through to laser communications. While turbulence in the atmosphere is well understood, there are no good ways to measure turbulence in a confined space. Existing systems tend to use lasers to probe paths across the dome between a transmitter and receiver, however these systems do not sample the line of sight of the primary telescope. We have invented a new technique which looks along the same line of sight as the primary telescope providing a better estimate of the turbulence. This information can be used to minimise the turbulence through actively changing the local environment.

Articles are invited for a special issue @Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences (a Q2 Journal having impact factor 3.0) https://lnkd.in/g3sR-6KZ

𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 The University of Hamburg -  officially named University of Excellence by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany - is actively contributing to the development of the "LISA" space observatory, a groundbreaking international project in the field of space science. Hamburg's active involvement in the "LISA" project further solidifies Hamburg's global reputation for scientific excellence and innovation, particularly in the fields of astrophysics and particle physics. Three research groups, with a strong focus on astrophysics and particle physics within the esteemed "Quantum Universe" excellence cluster, are playing a pivotal role in this initiative. "LISA," a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency - ESA and NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is set to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos by measuring gravitational waves in an unexplored frequency range, commencing in the 2030s. The Gravitational Universe is a new window in astronomy. With gravitational waves, one can study the dark universe, analogous to listening for objects that do not produce light. LISA will enable the scientists to explore the dark universe. "'LISA' will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most exciting scientific instruments ever created by humanity, and it is highly likely to provide us with groundbreaking insights into the structure and origin of the universe," explains Professor Dr. Oliver Gerberding, the lead scientist at the "Quantum Universe" Excellence Cluster at the University of Hamburg. Alongside his team and in collaboration with the German Electron Synchrotron DESY, the group leader is developing measurement systems for gravitational wave detection. We're excited that Hamburg is part of this remarkable journey to uncover the mysteries of the universe! 🌠 #QuantumUniverse  #ScientificExcellence #UniversityOfHamburg #LISA #SpaceScience   image: A Satellite of the LISA mission © Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics

A trip into one of the dark sky of Australia……the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park: https://lnkd.in/g6j35uQv it is so amazing to experience both the art and science of astronomy of the beautiful southern hemisphere night sky in the cold nights where the conditions for telescope is optimal and the carefully selected site, for the Anglo-Australian Telescope - Siding Spring Onservatory, to allow us human to continue to look into the history of our universe. Did you know, the knowledge of astronomy is embedded in the ancient Law stories carried by Aboriginal people over vast periods of time. It is anchored by Australia’s long history in astronomy via First Nations people, who for at least 65,000 years have developed an intimate knowledge of the night sky. Over the last century, Australia has invested in world-class facilities, which have allowed prize-winning discoveries, and trained generations of students and research fellows in advanced scientific methodologies, including radio receivers and electronics, optical systems and instrumentation, data processing and advanced imaging methodologies. https://lnkd.in/gtUEgQPa

Register now to the #IAUGA2024 and don't lose the Focus Meeting 8 “Advances and Challenges in Understanding the Solar and Stellar Dynamos”. The primary goal of the interdisciplinary meeting is to discuss advances in observations and modeling of solar and stellar magnetic fields and their manifestations, including flares and CMEs. The meeting topics include historical and modern observations, observational constraints on dynamo theories, recent attempts to understand and predict magnetic activity on the Sun and stars, current observational and theoretical challenges, and future developments and collaborations. #AfricaLookUp Department of Science and Innovation The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) The International Astronomical Union IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach IAU Office of Astronomy for Development African Astronomical Society Kevin Govender Charles Takalana, PhD Vanessa McBride Daniel Cunnama Letebele Masemola-Jones

The recent discovery made by the James Webb Telescope, known as Galactic Genesis, has provided valuable insights into the enigma of early universe black holes. This ground-breaking accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the field of astrophysics, shedding light on the formation and evolution of black holes in the early universe. The implications of this discovery extend far beyond the realm of astronomy, with potential applications to various scientific and technological advancements, making it an intriguing topic for professionals in the research and development sector. 🔭🌌 As a recruiter in the scientific community, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest advancements and discoveries in the field. Candidates with a passion for astrophysics and a keen interest in exploring the mysteries of the universe may find this development particularly compelling. The incredible feat achieved by the James Webb Telescope serves as a testament to the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts of scientists and researchers, reflecting the type of talent that organisations often seek to cultivate and nurture within their teams. 🌠🔬 With the potential to inspire individuals to pursue careers in astrophysics and related fields, the Galactic Genesis discovery has sparked renewed interest in the study of early universe black holes. As recruiters, it is essential to recognise and harness this momentum, encouraging talented professionals to engage with the latest advancements and make meaningful contributions to the scientific community. This exciting development serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities for discovery and innovation within the realm of astrophysics. #GalacticGenesis #BlackHoleEnigma #ScientificAdvancements