ASTROBIOLOGICAL INTEREST ON TITAN REINFORCED:

ACTIVE CHEMISTRY, CLOUDS AND METHANE RAIN

Data from three instruments aboard the James Webb Space Telescope offer fresh insights
into Titan’s atmosphere and chemistry—among the most complex and stable in the solar system
One of the study’s key findings, involving participation from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), is the first direct
detection of the methyl radical (CH₃) in Titan’s atmosphere, confirming major predictions about the moon’s rich organic chemistry

JWST REVEALS HOW STARS FORM IN ONE OF

THE MOST EXTREME REGIONS OF OUR GALAXY

Two studies co-led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) have examined the center of our galaxy
with unprecedented detail, thanks to observations from the James Webb Space Telescope
The findings could help clarify why star formation in one of the innermost regions
of the Milky Way is surprisingly low despite having conditions that should favor this process

A STUDY LED BY IAA-CSIC REVEALS THE ORIGIN OF X-RAY

EMISSION IN JETS FROM SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES

The research, headed by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), solves a
longstanding mystery about the particles responsible for X-ray emission in blazars
IXPE, the joint mission of NASA and the Italian Space Agency, along with the Sierra Nevada Observatory,
played a key role in obtaining the data that enabled identification of the mechanism behind this extreme phenomenon

Headlines

Data from three instruments aboard the James Webb Space Telescope offer fresh insights into Titan’s atmosphere and chemistry—among the most complex and stable in the solar system One of the study’s key findings, involving participation from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), is the first direct detection of the methyl radical (CH₃) in Titan’s atmosphere, confirming major predictions about the moon’s rich organic chemistry

New findings on Titan reinforce its astrobiological interest: active...

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New findings on Titan reinforce its astrobiological interest: active chemistry, clouds and methane rain

Like Earth, Titan—Saturn’s largest moon—has a nitrogen-rich atmosphere and weather systems that include clouds and rain. But unlike our planet, where water drives the climate, Titan’s cryogenic environment revolves around methane: it evaporates, forms clouds, falls as rain, and fills lakes and seas on the surface. This methane cycle, along with a complex web of organic chemistry, has been the subject of new discoveries that shed light on Titan’s fascinating atmosphere.

14/05/2025

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La Red de Infraestructuras de Astronomía (RIA) y las Instalaciones Científico-Técnicas Singulares (ICTS) de Astronomía que coordina organizan en Granada el segundo encuentro “Promoviendo sinergias entre grandes observatorios españoles. II”. Se espera que esta segunda edición permita a los equipos técnicos compartir experiencias, desarrollos y soluciones, fomentando sinergias que impulsen una mayor coordinación, eficiencia operativa y desarrollo conjunto, para una explotación óptima de estas instalaciones telescópicas y un mejor aprovechamiento de la excelente calidad de los cielos españoles.

Promoviendo Sinergias entre Grandes Observatorios Españoles...

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RIA - Promoviendo Sinergias entre Grandes Observatorios Españoles 2

La Red de Infraestructuras de Astronomía (RIA) y las Instalaciones Científico-Técnicas Singulares (ICTS) de Astronomía que coordina organizan en Granada el segundo encuentro “Promoviendo sinergias entre grandes observatorios españoles. II”. Tras la primera edición celebrada en La Palma (enlace a la edición anterior) en 2023, en la que se impulsó el intercambio inicial de experiencias, esta nueva edición tiene como objetivo consolidar las sinergias ya iniciadas y seguir fortaleciendo la colaboración entre los equipos técnicos de nuestras ICTS en astronomía.
Granada
10/06/2025 to 13/06/2025

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The research, headed by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), solves a longstanding mystery about the particles responsible for X-ray emission in blazars IXPE, the joint mission of NASA and the Italian Space Agency, along with the Sierra Nevada Observatory, played a key role in obtaining the data that enabled identification of the mechanism behind this extreme phenomenon

A study led by the IAA-CSIC reveals the origin of X-ray emission in jets...

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A study led by the IAA-CSIC reveals the origin of X-ray emission in jets from supermassive black holes

When the relativistic jet of an active galaxy is pointed directly at Earth, we witness one of the most extreme phenomena in the universe. This is the case with blazars: active galactic nuclei (AGN) powered by supermassive black holes that eject jets of matter at near-light speeds. In such cases, one of the jets is almost perfectly aligned with our line of sight. This orientation enhances the object’s brightness—due to the relativistic Doppler effect—and causes rapid and intense variations across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.
06/05/2025

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FPGA’s and heterogeneous SoC’s are used in an increasing number of mission critical or high reliability applications. These applications span a diverse range from industrial, medical and scientific to defense, transportation and even space.

Mission Critical Design

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Mission Critical Design

FPGA’s and heterogeneous SoC’s are used in an increasing number of mission critical or high reliability applications. These applications span a diverse range from industrial, medical and scientific to defense, transportation and even space. For these devices to safely and reliability operate in an often-harsh environment, a more rigorous design approach is required.
Granada
26/05/2025 to 29/05/2025

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A meeting devoted to the shaping effects of stellar outflows from evolved stars in the formation of asymmetrical post-main-sequence nebulae including planetary nebulae, nebulae around massive stars, nova remnants, symbiotic stars, ...

Asymmetrical Post-main-sequence Nebulae 9

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Asymmetrical Post-main-sequence Nebulae 9

A meeting devoted to the shaping effects of stellar outflows from evolved stars in the formation of asymmetrical post-main-sequence nebulae including planetary nebulae, nebulae around massive stars, nova remnants, symbiotic stars, ... 1.- Puzzling evolved star nebulae that challenge our present knowledge: morphology, kinematics, chemistry, time-scales, exotic central stars, ...
Granada
22/09/2025 to 26/09/2025

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Two studies co-led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) have examined the center of our galaxy with unprecedented detail, thanks to observations from the James Webb Space Telescope The findings could help clarify why star formation in one of the innermost regions of the Milky Way is surprisingly low despite having conditions that should favor this process

The James Webb Telescope reveals how stars form in one of the most extreme...

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The James Webb Telescope reveals how stars form in one of the most extreme regions of our galaxy

The centre of our galaxy is an extreme environment where intense cosmic phenomena transform space and matter. In one region of the galactic centre, located about 200 light-years from Sagittarius A* - the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way - there is a huge, dense cloud of interstellar gas and dust. Over millions of years, this cloud has collapsed in on itself, leading to the formation of thousands of new stars. This region is known as Sagittarius C.
03/04/2025

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Deep learning (DL) is a family of techniques widely used in multiple fields with excellent results. Unfortunately, DL has a steep learning curve. Fortunately, several domain-specific libraries have been developed to facilitate the use of DL models.

SO Basics of Neural Networks 2025

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SO Basics of Neural Networks 2025

Deep learning (DL) is a family of techniques widely used in multiple fields with excellent results. Unfortunately, DL has a steep learning curve. Fortunately, several domain-specific libraries have been developed to facilitate the use of DL models. For the widespread adoption of these techniques, researchers should be able to design and use their own DL models. Image classification is one of the main applications of DL in astrophysics and offers a convenient way to learn about neural networks.
Granada
16/10/2025 to 17/10/2025

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A study co-led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) reveals deviations from established models of the jets formed in supermassive black holes The finding is based on observations from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), whose high resolution has allowed for an unprecedented analysis of jets at close distances from supermassive black holes in the active cores of certain galaxies

Acceleration in supermassive black hole jets that defies theoretical...

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Acceleration in supermassive black hole jets that defies theoretical predictions discovered

Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are regions at the center of some galaxies where a supermassive black hole emits an enormous amount of energy as it feeds on surrounding matter. For decades, the study of AGN has been key to understanding the extreme physical processes occurring near these black holes, including the jets—powerful streams of matter and energy—that they launch into space.

24/03/2025

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The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), together with the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, has developed PANIC, a wide-field infrared camera for the 2.2-meter telescope at the Calar Alto Observatory in Almería, Spain PANIC, which operates in the near-infrared wavelength range, will be capable of studying star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, stars, exoplanets, and even the smallest bodies in our Solar System

PANIC, the first 4K infrared camera to explore the European sky

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PANIC, the first 4K infrared camera to explore the European sky

The human eye can perceive only a small fraction of the light in the universe, the visible spectrum, which spans wavelengths between 0.4 and 0.7 micrometers (billionths of a meter). By using detectors sensitive to light in the 0.8 to 2.5 micrometer range, we can access regions of the universe obscured by cosmic dust grains. Thanks to the development of PANIC (PAnoramic Near-Infrared Camera for Calar Alto), the first wide-field infrared camera for European telescopes, this is now possible.
20/03/2025

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After decades of tracking an enigmatic X-ray signal from a star in its final life stages, this study, co-led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, may have finally uncovered its origin: the destruction of a nearby planet Although the Sun is currently about 4.6 billion years old and is expected to take another 5 billion years before exhausting its hydrogen and evolving into a red giant, this study explores potential fates of the planets in the solar system

Planet's destruction may explain mysterious X-Ray signal emitted by a...

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Planet's destruction may explain mysterious X-Ray signal emitted by a dying star

As a star like the Sun approaches the end of its life, its destiny is marked by an unstoppable transformation process. After exhausting its fuel, these stars—known as red giants in their final stages—expel their outer layers into space, giving rise to a planetary nebula. At the center remains a white dwarf, the dense and hot stellar remnant, which emits ultraviolet radiation. This radiation illuminates and ionizes the surrounding gas, creating the bright structures that characterize these fascinating cosmic formations.
05/03/2025

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The Spanish prototype of the SKA Regional Centre, developed by IAA-CSIC, becomes the first centre to successfully complete its integration into SRCNet0.1, the first operational version of the international network that will form the scientific core of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)

Spain, a pioneer in the global network of SKA regional centres

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Spain, a pioneer in the global network of SKA regional centres

SKAO is an international organisation building two next-generation radio telescopes: SKA-Low in Australia, with more than 130,000 dipole antennas for transmitting and receiving radiofrequency waves, and SKA-Mid in South Africa, with 197 parabolic antennas, each 15 metres in diameter. Once operational, the observatory’s telescopes will generate over 700 million gigabytes of data per year. All this data will be stored in the SKA Regional Centres (SRCs), where it will also be accessible for remote processing.
26/02/2025

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On January 29, during the European Space Conference in Brussels (Belgium), the European Space Agency (ESA) signed an agreement with the space transportation company Arianespace to launch its PLATO mission at the end of 2026 The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), a member of the PLATO Spain consortium, is participating in the mission through the development of its two main electronics units and the scientific planning prior to its launch

The IAA participates in PLATO, the first scientific mission to fly aboard...

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The IAA participates in PLATO, the first scientific mission to fly aboard the new European rocket Ariane 6

Over the past 15 years, high-precision photometric space missions, developed by the world's leading space agencies, have driven significant advances in stellar physics and exoplanetary science. In this context, ESA's innovative PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of Stars) mission has been designed to discover potentially habitable planets around stars similar to our Sun.
10/02/2025

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Black holes are among the most fascinating objects in the universe. From cosmological scales, galactic and stellar scales where black holes are integral pieces in the formation and evolution of different structures, to microscopic scales in which the study of the fabric of spacetime and black hole interiors are interrelated, black holes are ubiquitous in all research areas in which gravity is a prominent actor.

Tales of Black Holes

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International Summer School on Advanced Black Hole Physics 'Tales of Black Holes'

Black holes are among the most fascinating objects in the universe. From cosmological scales, galactic and stellar scales where black holes are integral pieces in the formation and evolution of different structures, to microscopic scales in which the study of the fabric of spacetime and black hole interiors are interrelated, black holes are ubiquitous in all research areas in which gravity is a prominent actor.
Granada
23/06/2025 to 27/06/2025

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The EHT collaboration, which includes the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, has made progress in studying the supermassive black hole M87*, located at the center of the galaxy M87 The analysis conducted by the scientific team, combining observations from 2017 and 2018, has revealed new insights into the structure and dynamics of the plasma near M87*'s event horizon

Advances in the study of M87*: Unveiling details of the black hole's...

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Advances in the study of M87*: Unveiling details of the black hole's turbulent accretion flow

The event horizon, the boundary beyond which nothing—not even light—can escape the extreme gravity of the black hole, remains one of the most enigmatic areas in the study of the universe. Using observations from 2017 and 2018, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has deepened our understanding of the supermassive black hole at the center of Messier 87, known as M87*. This study opens a new window into multi-year analysis at horizon scales by leveraging a new simulation image library with more than 120,000 additional images compared to the last one.
22/01/2025

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The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía is part of the international team that has identified the fastest wind ever measured on a planet, recorded in the atmosphere of the giant exoplanet WASP-127b, located more than 500 light-years from Earth This discovery, which provides unique information about extreme weather on a distant world, was achieved using the CRIRES+ instrument, installed on one of the four telescopes of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile

Supersonic jet stream detected at the equator of a giant exoplanet

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Supersonic jet stream detected at the equator of a giant exoplanet

Just a few years ago, it was only possible to determine two key characteristics of exoplanets: their mass and radius. However, recent technological advancements have opened an entirely new window into the study of these worlds beyond our solar system. State-of-the-art instruments, such as CRIRES+, a high-resolution cryogenic infrared spectrograph—specifically developed to search for and characterize potentially habitable super-Earth-type exoplanets—allow for detailed exploration of the dynamics and composition of their atmospheres.
21/01/2025

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During five half days the school will cover topics from the basics of Bayesian inference over model fitting, computational methods to simulations.

SO-IAA School on Bayesian Statistics

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SO-IAA School on Bayesian Statistics

During five half days the school will cover topics from the basics of Bayesian inference over model fitting, computational methods to simulations. Practical exercises will be combined with the theoretical lectures The agenda will include: Basics of Bayesian Inference. A quick review of Bayes theorem, the basics of probability and probability distributions, followed by a fun exercise that introduces Bayesian inference in practice and how to define prior distributions. Finally, some connection to maximum likelihood and linear regression. Bayesian Computation.
Granada
05/05/2025 to 08/05/2025

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A team co-led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía has created ViewCube, an innovative tool that not only allows for the visualization of astronomical data but also enables its auditory experience This breakthrough adds a new sensory dimension to the analysis of complex data while promoting inclusion and accessibility, facilitating the active participation of people with visual impairments in the study of galaxies

Data sonification: a new way to study the universe

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Data sonification: a new way to study the universe

Historically, understanding the cosmos has depended on interpreting complex data and images—useful tools that, however, have certain limitations in capturing the full richness of the information the universe offers. In this context, a recent study published in the journal Royal Astronomical Society Techniques and Instruments (RASTI) introduces, for the first time, an innovative technique for interactively exploring galaxies: data sonification.
15/01/2025

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The European Commission has established the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), paving the way to accelerate the Observatory's construction The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) contributes to the project by developing data analysis software for the LST telescopes, common systems for the observatory, and studying active galactic nuclei, among other research areas

CTAO reaches a key milestone by consolidating as a European Research...

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CTAO reaches a key milestone by consolidating as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium

The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) has made a significant stride toward becoming the world's largest and most powerful gamma-ray astronomy observatory. The European Commission has officially established the CTAO as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), a recognition that not only accelerates the construction of the observatory but also ensures a solid framework for the global distribution of its valuable scientific data.

10/01/2025

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An international team, including researchers from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), has discovered a universal mechanism that explains how jets—powerful streams of matter and energy—maintain their shape as they travel through space. This breakthrough was made possible thanks to observations from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), a highly versatile radio observatory located on the San Agustin Plains, United States.

First solid evidence of the universal mechanism shaping cosmic jets...

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First solid evidence of the universal mechanism shaping cosmic jets revealed

Jets are powerful streams of matter and energy observed on a wide range of scales across the universe, from supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies to protostars—forming stars—within our own Milky Way. Despite the diversity of their energy sources, these jets, which travel at supersonic speeds—sometimes near the speed of light—and play a key role in shaping their environments, are believed to be different manifestations of a single universal phenomenon.
08/01/2025

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The Academic Spanish course for foreigners is designed to facilitate effective communication in academic and profesional contexts. Through a practical and personalized focus, the participants will develop essential linguistic abilities to discuss scientific articles, participate in conferences, give presentations, and collaborate in international projects. The program includes technical vocabulary, beginner and advanced grammar, and simulations of real-life situations. Moreover, it will promote the cultural immersion to strengthen the comprehension of the Hispanic world, and their impact on interdisciplinary investigation and collaboration.

Academic Spanish Course for Foreigners (2025)

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Academic Spanish Course for Foreigners (2025)

The Academic Spanish course for foreigners is designed to facilitate effective communication in academic and profesional contexts. Through a practical and personalized focus, the participants will develop essential linguistic abilities to discuss scientific articles, participate in conferences, give presentations, and collaborate in international projects. The program includes technical vocabulary, beginner and advanced grammar, and simulations of real-life situations.
Granada
21/01/2025 to 30/10/2025

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The school is designed for researchers at all career stages who are particularly interested in the formation and evolution of galaxies. The school is ideally positioned to offer an up-to-date scientific perspective on the recent exciting findings in extragalactic research, especially from the JWST and other space- and ground-based facilities.

II Advanced School on Galaxy Evolution

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II Advanced School on Galaxy Evolution

The school is designed for researchers at all career stages who are particularly interested in the formation and evolution of galaxies. The school is ideally positioned to offer an up-to-date scientific perspective on the recent exciting findings in extragalactic research, especially from the JWST and other space- and ground-based facilities. An exciting and bright future for observational astronomy and theoretical advancements awaits the generations of young astronomers, thanks in large part to the array of powerful facilities available currently and also in the near future.
Granada
19/05/2025 to 23/05/2025

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The Hispanic Astronomical Center in Andalusia (CAHA), the Spanish Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), and the University of Córdoba (UCO) have signed an action protocol to develop educational and scientific-technological activities in the field of astronomy. Calar Alto has already signed four collaboration agreements with Andalusian public universities.

Calar Alto, CSIC, and the University of Córdoba agree to collaborate in...

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Calar Alto, CSIC, and the University of Córdoba agree to collaborate in the field of astronomy

The University of Córdoba (UCO), the state agency CSIC - through the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia, IAA-CSIC, in Granada - and the Hispanic Astronomical Center in Andalusia (CAHA) of Calar Alto have signed a general action protocol to promote a common plan of academic, scientific-technical and social activities. The aim is to promote the dissemination and development of Astronomy and related fields. Calar Alto observatory thus confirms its commitment with the dissemination of Astronomy and Astrophysics in the academic community and Andalusian society.
04/03/2024

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The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has published new results that describe for the first time how light from the edge of the supermassive black hole M87* spirals as it escapes the black hole’s intense gravity, a signature known as circular polarization

A supermassive black hole’s strong magnetic fields are revealed in a new...

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A supermassive black hole’s strong magnetic fields are revealed in a new light

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has published new results that describe for the first time how light from the edge of the supermassive black hole M87* spirals as it escapes the black hole’s intense gravity, a signature known as circular polarization. The way light’s electric field prefers to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise as it travels carries information about the magnetic field and types of high-energy particles around the black hole.
08/11/2023

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Omaira Gonzalez Martin has received the award "Distinción de la UNAM para...

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Omaira Gonzalez Martin has received the award "Distinción de la UNAM para Jóvenes Académicos" 2021

15/11/2021

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Juan de Dalmau, president of the International Space University and former director of Ariane rocket launch operations in French Guiana, will answer frequently asked questions about space exploration.

What have we missed in extraterrestrial space?

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What have we missed in extraterrestrial space?

Humans have always looked to space with curiosity, fascination and sometimes fear. Many of us have thought about whether or not we would dare to take a trip outside the atmosphere, and we may even think that before spending so much money on sending astronauts, there are other problems to solve here on Earth.

Juan de Dalmau, president of the International Space University and former director of Ariane rocket launch operations in French Guiana, has also asked himself these questions and will try to give some answers to questions such as:

Juan de Dalmau
24/06/2021 - 19:30

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In the book "Chance and Necessity", published in 1970, Monod examines the philosophical implications of modern biology.

Biology and philosophy. 50 years of Jacques Monod's "Chance and Necessity".

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Biology and philosophy. 50 years of Jacques Monod's "Chance and Necessity".

Josep Casadesús
27/05/2021 - 19:00

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The history of science in Spain has never been a subject that has been valued in its fair measure, even by Spanish scientists themselves today. In this talk we will focus on the figure of Azarquiel, representative of medieval science.

Azarquiel, the chiseler of ideas

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Azarquiel, the chiseler of ideas

The history of science in Spain has never been a subject that has been valued in its fair measure, even by Spanish scientists themselves today. In this talk we will focus on the figure of Azarquiel, a representative of medieval science who, in the opinion of the speaker, is the greatest Spanish astronomer of all time. The aim of rescuing this and other forgotten scientists is to settle, even if only partially, the historical debt we owe them.

Antonio Claret
29/04/2021 - 19:00

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The volume includes 77 short articles on current research topics about the Sun, written in a plain language by scientists from 30 European research institutions and universities.

#TheScienceOfEST series is now available as a book!

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#TheScienceOfEST series is now available as a book!

#TheScienceOfEST series is now available as a book!

The volume includes 77 short articles on current research topics about the Sun, written in a plain language by scientists from 30 European research institutions and universities.
15/06/2020

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The mirror of the SUNRISE mission gets ready at Calar Alto

The mirror of the SUNRISE mission gets ready at Calar Alto

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The mirror of the SUNRISE mission, which will study the Sun from a stratospheric balloon, gets ready at Calar Alto

SUNRISE, a mission designed to study the Sun’s magnetic field from a stratospheric balloon, faces its third flight after its successful trips flying over the Arctic in 2009 and 2013. The instrumentation was recovered in both occasions, and now the mission team focuses on the preparation of the next phase, which will take place in 2021. In late September, the aluminizing of the SUNRISE telescope mirror took place at Calar Alto, a service offered by the observatory that permits to preserve the optimal conditions for observations.
06/10/2019

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Annual activity reports

Annual activity reports

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Annual activity reports

2023 annual activity report released !
Seminars, meetings, outreach conferences and training sessions.

Conferences and events calendar
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Conferences and events calendar

Check out the list of events and conferences.

Seminars

Conferences, workshops and schools

Lucas Lara outreach conferences

Manuel Félix Herrera training sessions

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Proceso de presentación de candidaturas a la dirección del IAA
(01 - 30 Abril 2025)

La junta de instituto del IAA (CSIC) aprobó en su reunión de 28 de marzo de 2025 la apertura del proceso de presentación de candidaturas a Director del IAA con fecha 1 de abril de 2025. El plazo se extiende durante un mes, del 1 de abril al 30 de abril. El gerente del IAA, como secretario de la Junta acusará recibo de las candidaturas que se presenten formalmente.

Más detalles del procedimiento de selección de director en la siguiente página

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