Using short radio flashes to probe the remnants of neutron star mergers
What happens after neutron stars merge? Dr. Antonia Rowlinson has received an ERC Consolidator Grant to find an answer to that fundamental question.
LOFAR1 operations stopped, telescope gearing up for 2.0 upgrade
August 31st was the last day on which we received data from LOFAR1. With the shutdown of LOFAR1 operations, over a decade of gathering and handling huge amounts of data came to an end. LOFAR1 operations have led to the publication of more than 750 scientific papers so far, and this number is still growing by about two papers per week. The end of LOFAR1 production operations does of course not mean the end of LOFAR (which became LOFAR ERIC last year): right now we are working hard on upgrading the LOFAR telescope to version 2.0, both in software and hardware.
Gargantuan Black Hole Jets Are Biggest Seen Yet
Astronomers have spotted the biggest pair of black hole jets ever seen, spanning 23 million light-years in total length. That’s equivalent to lining up 140 Milky Way galaxies back to back.
Second-Generation Starlink Satellites Leak 30 Times More Radio Interference, Threatening Astronomical Observations
Observations with the LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) radio telescope last year showed that first generation Starlink satellites emit unintended radio waves that can hinder astronomical observations. New observations with the LOFAR radio telescope, the biggest radio telescope on Earth observing at low frequencies, have shown that the second generation ’V2-mini’ Starlink satellites emit up to 32 times brighter unintended radio waves than satellites from the previous generation, potentially blinding radio telescopes and crippling vital research of the Universe.
November 22
© different people
During the Past, Present, Future Conference, inspiring presentations were given on topics such as the origins of the WSRT and LOFAR, science with Apertif, and ASTRON’s future. It was an engaging day where researchers, enthusiasts, and contributors to ASTRON's 75-year journey came together.
Around 4:00 PM, we transitioned to the second event: the festive opening of the Gallery of Honour, featuring a stunning photo exhibition about 75 years of ASTRON. These photo panels will soon be displayed prominently in our building. Additionally, we were treated to an impressive performance by the Keuning Jeugd Orkest, which played a piece specially composed for ASTRON.
Speeches by dignitaries such as the Mayor of Westerveld, Tjerk Opmeer, and Willemien Meeuwissen highlighted the importance of this extraordinary institution. We look back with pride on an unforgettable day that beautifully marked the conclusion of our anniversary year!