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On Researchers' Night, there will be an opportunity to meet scientists and visit the Radio Astronomy Center

September 20, 2024

On September 27, across Latvia, European Researchers' Night events will take place, where universities and scientific institutes will "open their doors" and offer a wide range of free events and activities.


During the day, the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VIRAC) will offer tours and meetings with astronomers and engineers. In the evening, researchers from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and VIRAC will present topics such as small bodies of the Solar System, how to "hunt" the Northern Lights, and, weather permitting, provide opportunities to observe planets and the Moon through a telescope at the VIZIUM Science Center.

 

Tour at Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center

 

From 10:00 to 15:00, visit the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center in Irbene and meet astronomers and engineers. School groups of up to 25 visitors can register. Advance registration is required by sending an application to virac@venta.lv.

 

At the VIZIUM Science Center

 

From 19:00 to 21:00, the following presentations will take place:

 

Karina Šķirmante: Learn about the most interesting studies of small bodies in the Solar System.

The presentation will include 3D demonstrations showing the modeling of comet gas and dust environments in various scenarios.

 

Andris Vaivads: How to "hunt" the Northern Lights.

This talk will explain how the Northern Lights form, whether we can predict when they will occur, and what conditions are necessary to observe them in the Ventspils area.

 

Artūrs Vrubļevskis: Secrets of the origin of the solar wind.

Attendees will learn about studies of the Sun and the solar wind. The solar wind flows continuously and forms an interplanetary environment through which solar eruptions propagate. On Earth, these can cause geomagnetic storms. One goal of solar research is to better predict "space weather," which requires understanding the solar wind.

 

Sergejs Hiļķevičs: Development trends of the Latvian economy.

Attendees will be introduced to the main trends and challenges in the development of the Latvian economy. Various factors affecting the economy will be analyzed, and there will be opportunities to engage in discussions about future development possibilities.

 

Artis Aberfelds: Throughout the evening, there will be opportunities to observe planets through a telescope on the VIZIUM terrace, weather permitting.

 

Visitors to Researchers' Night will have the chance to converse with scientists on various topics of interest.

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