VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths Held at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences

September 22, 2025

From 8 to 19 September, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted the scientific workshop “VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths”, organized by the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC). The event brought together researchers and students from Latvia and abroad.


The summer school aimed to develop knowledge and practical skills in pulsar observations, radio astronomical data processing, and international scientific collaboration. Over two weeks, participants attended lectures and hands-on sessions on the fundamentals of pulsar astronomy, observation planning, and data analysis, with a special focus on observations with the LOFAR low-frequency antenna array.


The summer school was led by VIRAC researchers Jānis Šteinbergs and Vladislavs Bezrukovs. Special guest lecturers Dr. Alisa Shevtsova and Dr. Ihor Kravtsov from the Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine shared their expertise on the physical properties of pulsar emission and low-frequency research methods.


What are pulsars? - Pulsars are extremely dense, rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit powerful radio pulses at regular intervals. These signals are so precise that they are often compared to cosmic clocks. Observations of pulsars with modern radio telescopes help scientists study extreme physical conditions, the properties of the interstellar medium, and the large-scale structure of the Universe.


VIRAC conducts research in radio astronomy, space technologies, and data processing, and operates the Irbene Radio Telescope Complex - one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Northern Europe.


One of the key instruments is LOFAR (Low Frequency Array), a Europe-wide network of low-frequency radio telescopes that connects hundreds of antenna stations across multiple countries, including Latvia. Ventspils University’s participation in the JIV-ERIC and LOFAR-ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium) strengthens Latvia’s integration into the international radio astronomy community. It provides opportunities to conduct observations across the radio spectrum of the Universe.


The summer school fostered collaboration between Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the University of Latvia, and Riga Technical University, while also facilitating the exchange of experience with research institutions from Europe and Ukraine.


The event was implemented within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012 “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation”

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