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VIRAC young researchers participate in an international conference

September 19, 2024

For the period from 1.09.2024 to 06.09.2024 Jānis Šteinbergs, Karina Šķirmante and Artis Aberfelds, scientific staff of Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University of Applied Science, participated in the 16th European VLBI Network Symposium and Users' Meeting, where the results of the project "A single-baseline radio interferometer in a new age of transient astrophysics” (No. lzp-2022/1-0083)"

were presented.


The following papers were presented at the conference:

  • A. Aberfelds, "6.7 GHz Methanol masers in the IRAS 20126+4104 during minimum and maximum activity".
  • K. Šķirmante  report "ACor: Automated Observation Scheduling and Data Management".
  • J.Šteinbergs report "VIRAC automated Single baseline interferometer data processing".


The 16th European VLBI Network Symposium and Users' Meeting conference discussed major achievements and challenges in the development of the European VLBI Network (EVN), focusing on the implementation of new technologies and interdisciplinary scientific collaboration, such as:

1.      Introduction of new frequency band receivers and development of antennas

The conference focused on the improvement of EVN, in particular using high frequency bands such as K, Q and W-band receivers. Projects focused on  developing new antenna arrays inspired by SKA (Square Kilometre Array) and ngVLA (Next Generation Very Large Array) designs to improve the efficiency of radio astronomical observations were presented.

2.      Industry impact on frequencies reserved for radio astronomy

Several papers highlighted the increasing competition between radio astronomy and industry needs such as mobile networks and satellite communication services that use radio astronomy frequencies. This trend raises concerns about the future availability of resources for scientific observations.

3.      Improvements in data processing and quicker access to the data from scientific observations 

JIVE representatives reported on the increasing EVN workload and encouraged the increased use of e-VLBI mode, which allows faster availability of observational data, an essential factor for PhD students to complete their work on time. . Ideas were put forward at the conference to produce and store "science ready" data in the EVN archive to make it more accessible to the wider scientific community.

This conference marks an important step in the development of European radio astronomy, addressing both technological and political challenges.

Conference participant and researcher Artis Aberfelds presenting "6.7 GHz Methanol masers in the IRAS 20126+4104 during minimum and maximum activity"

Group picture of Conference participants

Conference participant and research assistant Janis Steinbergs, presenting the results of the project IVARS. On the left poster "VIRAC automated Single baseline interferometer data processing", on the right- poster "ACor: Automated Observation Scheduling and Data Management".

Conference participant and researcher Karina Skirmante, presenting the results of the project IVARS. On the left – poster "VIRAC automated Single baseline interferometer data processing", on the right – poster "ACor: Automated Observation Scheduling and Data Management".

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