Radio astronomers join global standards body seeking to address satellite interference
The Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF) has been admitted as an I-member of the International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR), the international body that sets standards to prevent electronic devices from interfering with each other.
Astronomers pinpoint the source of the brightest one-off fast radio burst ever
An international team of astronomers has localized one of the brightest non-repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) ever observed to a nearby galaxy.
In Memoriam: Albert-Jan Boonstra
It is with deep sadness we share the news that our longtime colleague, Albert-Jan Boonstra, has passed away on Friday, August 1.
Astronomers uncover white dwarf system emitting bright radio pulses with strange rhythm
Researchers identify a mystifying Long-Period Transient with 100% polarized radio emission, suggesting new type of cosmic radio source. A team of astronomers at ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, has discovered a mysterious new cosmic radio source that challenges current theories about how dead stars can produce such powerful emissions. Using the LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) radio telescope, the team picked up the unusual signal as part of a study led by astronomer Sanne Bloot. This research was published today in the scientific journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.
ALF prototype 2 in the air
© ASTRON
For that we have integrated the ALF prototype 2 receiver in an old MFFE frame. This frame can be easily transported and fixated in the old focus boxes at the WSRT. We refer to an earlier daily image that highlights the design of this prototype in an MFFE frame.
On October 9th, everything had been prepared for placing Prototype 2 into the WSRT's RT2 focus box. The frontend had been carefully transported from ASTRON's headquarters in Dwingeloo to the WSRT building. Some last minute improvisations had to be done there to be able to acquire the frontend data. When that was fixed, the frontend was transported from the WSRT building to RT2 and hoisted upwards with the cherry picker. Then it was hauled into the frontend box, structurally fixated in the box and finally the power and network were connected.
The first tests during the day showed that this operation has been successful. The engineers and astronomers are collecting and analysing the first data from the system. These initial results will be presented in another daily image, soon.
8th LOFAR Data School
Wed 16 Sep 2026 - Wed 23 Sep 2026
We are happy to announce that the 8th LOFAR Data School (LDS2026) will take place at ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (Dwingeloo, The Netherlands) from 16 to 23 September 2026. RATIONALE The goal of the school is to assist the participants in the generation and analysis of LOFAR science ready data. The school will cover the […]