Radio Astronomy driving new competences and innovation on the European scale

July 16, 2019

LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) is the world’s largest and most sensitive low frequency radio telescope. It was designed, built, and is now operated by ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy. LOFAR’s reach now spans Europe – from Ireland to Poland, with the newest LOFAR antenna station being delivered to Ventspils University of Applied Sciences in Latvia.


It might be surprising that a niche discipline such as Radio Astronomy is a driver for new competences and innovation on the European scale. Moreover, this discipline sets a template for future fundamental science to help structure ‘perfecting the European endeavour’ as Dutch Prime Minister Rutte put it so eloquently in June 2018.


Here we propose that LOFAR is a prime example of how state-of-the-art facilities leads to the sharing and building of competencies: it is one of today’s major success stories of research infrastructures on a European scale.


ASTRON is a world-leading institute in the development, exploitation, and scientific use of radio telescopes. Building world-leading radio telescope instrumentation is rarely a task that one institute or even one country can achieve. It requires collaboration, enduring relationships and knowledge exchange: moreover, as it is fundamental science with expensive facilities, it must deliver benefits for all parties involved.



The International LOFAR Telescope (ILT) is a foundation under Dutch law. The members of the ILT are the eight institutes and countries who currently own LOFAR stations. The mission of the ILT is to exploit the LOFAR telescope under common policies to maximise its science output. Access to LOFAR observing is open to all scientists from around the world following a competitive peer-reviewed process termed ‘open skies’ in the astronomy discipline.

 

Largest radio telescope

LOFAR, now connecting fifty-two antenna stations in eight European countries to powerful computers in Groningen, the Netherlands, forms the largest radio telescope and operates at the lowest radio frequencies that can be observed from Earth. Unlike classical dish telescopes, LOFAR is a multipurpose sensor network, with an innovative computer and network infrastructure that can handle extremely large data volumes. Its long-term archive currently contains over 40 petabytes of astronomical data.

The core of LOFAR consists of a network of twenty-four stations concentrated in a three kilometre area the north-east of the Netherlands; there are a further fourteen stations also in the Netherlands. The network has grown over the years, making LOFAR a truly pan-European research infrastructure with six stations in Germany, three in Poland, and one each in France, Ireland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the next one being delivered to Latvia in summer 2019. The greatest distance between stations is termed the ‘baseline’ and now approaches 2000 km. This baseline sets the resolution, or detailed zoom-in ability, of the LOFAR telescope. The total number of stations determines its sensitivity to the weakest radio emission from the sky. All this is done in the highly-populated European continent: it is a testament to the brains behind the continuously-improving signal processing algorithms that this is achievable.

Last week, the equipment for the new station was shipped to Latvia, which will enhance the resolution, sensitivity, and fidelity of LOFAR.

 

Twinning

Being part of the LOFAR family brings multiple benefits to the research community in the member countries. A recently completed H2020 project, BALTICS (Building on Advanced LOFAR Technology for Innovation, Collaboration, and Sustainability), ran between January 2016 and December 2018. The partners – VIRAC (Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center), ASTRON, and UMAN (University of Manchester) – strengthened the expertise and experience of VIRAC radio astronomers and technology and instrumentation engineers. The project encompassed development and training in instrumentation and data analysis, accompanied by dissemination and scientific publications.

BALTICS was a great stepping stone on the way to financing, realisation, and future exploitation of the LOFAR station under construction in Latvia. VIRAC views the LOFAR station as the natural extension of their Irbene Observatory. It will further anchor the role of VIRAC as a top-level science and technology expertise centre in the northeast of Europe.

 

Networking

BALTICS was specifically designed to cement the networking collaborations between ASTRON, UMAN, and VIRAC. This will facilitate subsequent participation in future joint endeavours, including top-notch instrumental and astronomical research and development projects, e.g. regarding the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), often on the interface between academia and industry, in high-impact regional, national and European research areas.

The project successfully concluded its activities with a scientific conference organised in Jurmala, Latvia on 5 December 2018. Attendees from Latvia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, as well as Bulgaria, France, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, shared and discussed the knowledge and experience gained during the project.

The conference was followed by a Workshop at the Irbene Observatory of VIRAC on 6 December 2018, with the goal of promoting the opportunities that the participation of VIRAC in LOFAR and the EVN (European VLBI Network) will bring to the new user community, and to intensify links with partner scientific and technological institutes in the wider European region. The workshop covered topics from the basics of ILT science operations, organization and future upgrade, to science research topics from potential users.

 

Next steps

In the closing report to the European Commission, VIRAC expressed its pleasure and gratitude with the results they derived from the BALTICS project. The ASTRON participants were delighted to be able to contribute to increasing their capabilities, and were impressed by the work of all contributors in their research in Low Frequency Radio astronomy and the related technical facilities. All participants in the closing meeting of BALTICS were excited to see the ground preparations for the LOFAR station. The ILT looks forward to welcoming the Latvian consortium as a full member.

The ILT is now engaged in a major technological upgrade, again led by ASTRON, that will position the facility as a cutting-edge research infrastructure throughout the 2020’s, and for technological pathfinding aimed at the decade beyond. Meanwhile, the ILT aims to welcome new partner countries and institutes to further enhance the facility, as well as to strengthen its support base and user community.

By Dr. René Vermeulen, Director of the International LOFAR Telescope, and Prof. Carole Jackson, Scientific and General Director of ASTRON

Source: EuroScientist



Share on other platforms

Other news

International Scientific Seminar on Massive Star Formation

By Rota Žagare • September 18, 2026
On 24 September, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will host the international scientific seminar “Massive Star Formation – Latest Research and Developments”, organised by the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC). The seminar will bring together researchers and those interested in research with visiting scientists from the United States. The seminar will feature scientist Dr Todd R. Hunter and Lead Astronomer Dr Crystal L. Brogan from the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). The guests will present current research in radio astronomy, state-of-the-art observational infrastructure, and the opportunities it provides for studying the Universe and the processes of star formation. Dr Todd R. Hunter will give a presentation entitled “Exploring the Universe at Centimeter Wavelengths: The Next Generation Very Large Array”, while Dr Crystal L. Brogan will present “Searching for Our Cosmic Origins Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array”. The seminar will provide researchers with an opportunity to discuss the latest research findings and methods with internationally recognised experts in radio astronomy, as well as to explore opportunities for future scientific collaboration. Such international knowledge-exchange activities strengthen the research capacity of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and promote the involvement of Latvian researchers in the international radio astronomy research community. This information has been prepared within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012). 

VUAS Invites to an Open Lecture on the Birth of Massive Stars

By Rota Žagare • September 18, 2026
On Friday, 25 September, at 16:15, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences invites everyone interested to attend the popular science open lecture “From Cosmic Cloud to Star: How Massive Stars Are Born”. The lecture will offer an engaging and accessible introduction to how massive stars are born, how astronomers are able to observe their formation, and what these studies can reveal about the origins and evolution of our Universe. The lecture will be delivered by guests from the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) – scientist Dr Todd R. Hunter and Lead Astronomer Dr Crystal L. Brogan. Both researchers use modern radio astronomy techniques to study star formation and processes taking place throughout the Universe. The lecture is particularly suitable for astronomy enthusiasts as well as anyone interested in space and the methods scientists use to explore the Universe. No prior knowledge of astronomy is required. The lecture will be held in English, and participation is free of charge. The open lecture will complement the European Researchers’ Night programme in Ventspils. After the lecture, participants will have the opportunity to continue exploring science at the VIZIUM Science Centre, where European Researchers’ Night activities will take place. This information has been prepared within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation ” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).

Ventspils Radio Astronomers Introduce Artificial Intelligence Methods into Their Research

By Rota Žagare • September 11, 2026
As the availability of artificial intelligence (AI) tools continues to grow, so do their capabilities and the range of tasks they can perform, including increasingly complex and sophisticated ones. Consequently, AI is finding applications in ever narrower and more specialised fields. Scientific research in astronomy is no exception, including radio astronomy and related theoretical fields, which are among the areas of research pursued by scientists at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC) of the Institute of Engineering at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. AI is based on existing knowledge and cannot independently interpret newly generated scientific results. Nevertheless, AI-assisted data processing, generation of program code, partially repetitive data rows and other types of information, as well as the initial compilation and review of large volumes of information on a scientific topic or, for example, the operation of an existing program, can facilitate certain tasks when carried out under careful supervision and verification by a researcher. The results can, in turn, be checked using another version of an AI agent. However, these approaches do not necessarily reduce the overall amount of work or the time required to complete it. To make the most effective use of the opportunities offered by AI and to communicate this knowledge in an accessible way so that it can subsequently be learned and adopted by everyone involved in research, including members of the older generation of scientists, VSRC launched a series of seminars on the use of AI in science in autumn 2026. The series places particular emphasis on astrophysics and radio astronomy, including radio interferometric observations using the Irbene Radio Telescope (IRT) and the LOFAR network. The first seminar was led by VSRC scientific assistant Gints Jasmonts, who shared his knowledge and experience on 3 September. He provided an introduction to the world of AI and presented examples from his own work in computer science and astrophysics. The discussion focused primarily on large language models available through chat interfaces, search engines and programming environments. At their core, these AI systems operate by predicting the next word or token based on the preceding context. The seminar concluded with a discussion, which revealed that participants are already using AI in their everyday work. At the same time, it became clear that learning how to apply the diverse capabilities of AI specifically to research will require further learning. The next seminar will therefore have a more practical focus. This information has been prepared within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation ” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).

Ventspils Researchers Present Latest Discoveries on Massive Star Birth at International Astrophysics Symposium in Germany

By Rota Žagare • August 31, 2026
Dr. Artis Aberfelds, Senior Researcher at the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre" (VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, participated in the prestigious international symposium "SFB 1601: Cologne-Bonn Symposium on the habitats of massive stars across cosmic time" held at the University of Cologne, Germany. A scientific report on methanol maser activity around forming massive stars was presented during the event. Organized by the University of Cologne, the symposium brought together leading astrophysicists and radio astronomers from around the world to discuss the latest discoveries in star formation, the interstellar medium, and the physical processes governing the birth of stars. The research presented by Dr. Aberfelds was developed in close international collaboration with researchers A. Sanna and L. Moscadelli from the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF). Utilizing the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in the USA – one of the world's most sensitive radio telescope arrays – the study analyzed the connection between 6.7 GHz methanol (CH3OH) maser emission, stellar radiation, and outflows from young massive stars. Key Findings and Conclusions: Discovery of 5 new maser sources: Observing 22 star-forming regions, 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission was detected in 13 objects, revealing 5 previously unknown maser sources. Precise indicator of stellar location: Over 90% of all detected maser spots are located in close proximity to the central star. Direct link with thermal free-free radio continuum emission: The study revealed a strong correlation between methanol maser luminosity and thermal radio emission, enabling astronomers to more accurately predict and identify weak radiation sources in the Universe in the future. Potential for next-generation radio telescopes: Calculations indicate that more than 30% of the methanol maser population currently remains undetected due to sensitivity limits of existing instruments. These sources will be unlocked by next-generation radio interferometers (such as the ngVLA and SKA). The research and conference participation were carried out within the framework of the Latvian Council of Science (LZP) Fundamental and Applied Research Project „Revealing the physical mechanism of mass ejection around young massive stars via CH3OH masers” (Project No. 1.1.1.9/LZP/1/24/044).

Accomplishments of the Project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4"

By Rota Žagare • July 20, 2026
The Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre" (VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) continues to develop its research infrastructure by implementing the project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4" (Project No. 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/005), funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with co-financing from the Latvian state budget. The goal of the project is to enhance VIRAC as a centre of excellence of national importance with modern and sustainable scientific infrastructure. Several significant procurements and activities have been carried out as part of the project. To ensure the storage of large volumes of radio astronomy observation data, new hard drives with double the capacity were purchased using project funding for the Irbene Flexbuff data server. The Flexbuff server is used to store radio astronomy observation (typically VLBI) data. The previous data storage capacity was no longer sufficient, as both the transmission speed of observation data and the overall data volume have grown significantly in recent years. The new drives will ensure compliance with the increasing storage requirements of the EVN and CERN Tier-2. A contract has been concluded for the procurement of a six-wheeled ATV (quad bike) and its equipment. Such a mobile vehicle makes it possible to transport and test antenna, mobile satellite communication, unmanned, and floating equipment control and immunity solutions in motion. The vehicle is capable of transporting and testing research equipment in motion across the antenna complex's territory of more than 70 hectares, including forest and marsh conditions. Providing such equipment is essential for the developed systems to reach a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) under real-world conditions. The engineering systems developed as a result of the research and tested with this vehicle have high dual-use potential. In May 2026, a MIG/MAG semi-automatic welding machine with the necessary peripherals and a set of materials suitable for welding aluminum and its alloys was purchased. The equipment is required for manufacturing feed systems for the RT-32 and RT-16 radio telescopes in order to expand their reception bands and promote new radio astronomical observations. As part of the modernization project, a procurement for the photogrammetry and alignment of the RT-32 radio telescope antenna surface will soon be concluded to improve surface accuracy, sensitivity, and performance at higher frequencies. Currently, the efficiency of the RT-32 antenna reaches only 35–38%, and in the highest frequency bands, it is even lower, making observations practically impossible. Photogrammetric measurements will make it possible to precisely determine the necessary position corrections for each primary mirror panel and adjust the panel mountings accordingly, reducing antenna surface error. Following the antenna surface alignment, the sensitivity, measurement accuracy, and observation capabilities of the radio telescope will improve significantly across all operating frequency bands. Taking into account that on December 15, 2025, a positive decision was received from the European Commission regarding amendments to the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027, granting flexibility funding for its implementation, contract amendments for the project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4" were signed in July of this year. An additional EUR 79,151 was allocated, of which 85% is ERDF funding and 15% is Latvian state budget co-financing. With the additional funding granted, further procurements are planned within the project for the development of VIRAC's research infrastructure: purchase and installation of spare asynchronous electric motors and their control systems required to ensure the sustainability of the motor drives for the RT-32 and RT-16 radio telescopes; purchase of systems necessary to ensure the sustainability of the RF chain and control systems for the RT-32 and RT-16 radio telescopes; and the purchase of a portable handheld vector network analyzer with a bandwidth of at least up to 26.5 GHz. The EU financial support received under the project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4" (No. 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/005) strengthens VIRAC's capacity to conduct high-quality radio astronomical observations and develop new, dual-use research competencies, while ensuring the sustainability and international competitiveness of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex. Prepared by: Arita Rubīna Public Relations Specialist for the Project

How is the Baltic blue economy changing

By Rota Žagare • June 29, 2026
How is the Baltic blue economy changing – and what kinds of technologies, skills and decisions are needed to support its sustainable future? MarTe has published a new collection of webinar and workshop recordings on YouTube. The videos bring together researchers, industry experts and public sector representatives from Estonia and Latvia to discuss the future of the Baltic blue economy from two perspectives: the bigger strategic picture and practical technology tools.
Other news