Over two days, 12–13 November, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted the 9th International Scientific Conference Baltic Applied Astroinformatics and Space Data Processing (BAASP), organized by the Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre”. The conference brought together scientists from the Baltic States, Europe, and other parts of the world to share research on astrophysics and radio astronomy, near-Earth space studies, and space technologies. The BAASP conference is held in Ventspils every two years. This conference series serves as a platform for fostering and strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the Baltic region and worldwide. It brings together astronomers, space scientists and engineers, as well as experts from related fields such as computer science, electronics, satellite technologies, geodesy, remote sensing, and environmental sciences. This year’s conference gathered participants from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and representatives from Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland, as well as from Ukraine, Spain, Nigeria, Algeria, and China. Thus, the geographical reach of this year’s participants extended well beyond the Baltic region. The keynote speakers were Professor Andris Slavinskis from the University of Tartu (Estonia), Dr. Oleg Ulyanov from the Radio Astronomy Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and Professor Ilya Usoskin from the University of Oulu (Finland). In total, the conference participants delivered 29 presentations. BAASP 2025 continued the discussion on how emerging technologies are shaping astronomy, space science, geosciences, and remote sensing. As emphasized in the conference topics, so-called “big data” plays an increasingly important role in space science, requiring powerful capabilities for data acquisition, management, processing, and interpretation. Astroinformatics, as an interdisciplinary field, combines space science with high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, enabling major advancements in observational astronomy, satellite technologies, and Earth–space interaction studies. In recent years, Europe has continued to play a significant role in the development of next-generation astronomy. The expansion of the LOFAR low-frequency antenna network across the continent, including the Baltic region, enables high-resolution studies of cosmic magnetism, solar activity, and transient radio phenomena. The European VLBI Network (EVN) has significantly enhanced its real-time e-VLBI capabilities and sensitivity across a wide frequency range, supported by UK-based stations such as Jodrell Bank and e-MERLIN. These improvements have contributed to precise localization of fast radio bursts and compact extragalactic sources. Technological progress also enables automated, rapid-response observation modes. This emerging field integrates radio, optical, gravitational-wave, and neutrino data to study high-energy cosmic events such as neutron-star mergers and magnetar flares. At the same time, AI-driven data acquisition, on-board satellite computing, and quantum-technology-based algorithms open new possibilities for real-time analysis and autonomous decision-making in both Earth-observation and deep-space missions. CubeSats and modular satellite platforms continue to transform the landscape of low-cost, high-impact space research, creating new demands for data-integration and security models, as well as cross-domain interoperability. “During the conference we focus on space science both from the scientific and technological perspectives—data processing, algorithms, electronics, receivers, and astrophysics and astronomy as such,” explained Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre researcher Vladislavs Bezrukovs. The presentations largely reflected ongoing projects. “One of the conference topics is space weather. The Sun is currently at the peak of its activity cycle; a magnetic storm is approaching, and there have just been three large solar flares. Several talks at the conference were related to solar studies and extreme solar and space conditions,” Bezrukovs noted. “There were also presentations on instruments that allow us to observe the cosmos—telescopes and transmitters. We position ourselves as a deep-space communication center, and these presentations show how this technology is progressing. The conference also covered galactic and extragalactic studies, fundamental science, and fundamental astrophysics.” Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Andris Vaivads, highlighted one of the conference topics especially relevant to the university—the presentation by Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre research assistant Gints Jasmonts on Modeling Comet Activity for the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor Mission. “Doctoral student Gints Jasmonts presented research on comet modeling—how comet tails form and how comae (envelopes of gas and dust) develop around comets. Several of our scientists work in this field, and Ventspils University is involved in ESA’s upcoming Comet Interceptor mission. This mission will travel to a fixed point in space and wait for an unknown object entering the Solar System from interstellar space, which will then be studied. Our researchers are modeling how the environment around such an object might look and how different instruments on the spacecraft could observe it. The Ventspils-based company Bitlake Technologies is also involved in system development for this mission,” Vaivads said. Expanding on this, Bezrukovs added: “This is especially relevant now because an interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, is currently traveling through the Solar System, raising many questions—and the Comet Interceptor mission will study such possible future visitors.”  Speakers delivered their presentations over two days, and on the second day participants also visited the International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene. “I hope this may become an annual event. The number of speakers is growing, so there is interest in making the conference broader and more frequent,” Bezrukovs added.

An international event — the VIRAC Seminar on Extreme Solar Activity and Space Weather Events — took place in 11 November, 2025, at Ventspils University (VUAS). It was organised by the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) as part of the project “International cooperation and innovation of Ventspils University for the development of Latvia’s smart specialisation” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012), with co-funding from the European Regional Development Fund. The seminar was attended by scientists and researchers from Latvia and abroad. Its aim was to strengthen the exchange of experience and scientific results concerning extreme manifestations of solar activity and their impact on the ionosphere, Earth’s magnetic field, and the security of modern technological systems. The programme included presentations of research carried out by VIRAC and round-table discussions on current and planned projects in the field of space weather. Special attention was given to studies of solar flares, ionospheric disturbances, and geomagnetic storms, as well as to strengthening international cooperation. Several internationally recognised experts took part in the seminar, including: Dr. Ilya Usoskin, Head of the Oulu Cosmic Ray Station (Finland), Dr. Mykhailo Orlyuk, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Geophysics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Mikhailo Ryabov, Lead Researcher at the URAN-4 Observatory and Radio Astronomy Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Endika Aguirre, Researcher at Public University of Navarre (Spain), and VIRAC researchers Vladislavs Bezrukovs and Jānis Šteinbergs. The seminar served as an important platform for the exchange of knowledge, identifying new research directions, and strengthening international cooperation. VSRC has been involved in space weather research for several years, focusing on its practical application to the safety of communications, navigation, and other critical infrastructures. Currently, VSRC researchers are implementing three scientific projects funded by the Latvian Council of Science, using VSRC radio telescopes and the LOFAR and JIVE-ERIC infrastructures. The seminar was held within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

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”

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths: Ventspils, Latvia |September 8–19, 2025 This intensive and inspiring summer school is designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. The event is hosted by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Key Topics: Pulsar observations with the LOFAR telescope Pulsar astronomy fundamentals Observation planning Pulsar data processing and analysis Venue: Engineering Research Institute – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Room 407

On August 18, 2025, Dr. Evanthia Hatziminaoglou from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) delivered an insightful invited talk at the University of Latvia. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge astronomical research and advancements, focusing on ESO's contributions, the ALMA telescope, the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimetre Telescope (AtLAST), and the study of quasars. Dr. Hatziminaoglou highlighted ESO's role as the leading intergovernmental astronomy organization, encompassing 16 member states and strategic partnerships with Chile and Australia. The talk showcased ESO's groundbreaking facilities, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to be the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world. The presentation also delved into ALMA's capabilities, emphasizing its precision in resolving small details and its ongoing upgrades to enhance sensitivity. Dr. Hatziminaoglou discussed the AtLAST concept, a next-generation 50-meter single-dish observatory powered by renewable energy, designed to bridge gaps in angular scales, sensitivity, and mapping speed in submillimeter astronomy. A significant portion of the talk focused on the study of quasars, exploring their environments, star formation rates, and the triggers of extreme star formation in quasar hosts. Dr. Hatziminaoglou shared findings on multiplicities around SDSS quasars, revealing how submillimeter counterparts and redshift influence star formation rates and environments. In addition to the scientific presentation, there was a lively discussion on potential collaboration between the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The discussion emphasized creating pathways for Latvian researchers and students to engage with ESO and ALMA facilities, opening new opportunities for joint projects, training, and integration into international astronomy networks. This engaging presentation underscored the synergy between ESO's facilities, ALMA, and AtLAST, paving the way for future discoveries in astronomy. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. The seminar was organized within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

You are kindly invited to attend a scientific seminar that will take place on June 27, 2025 , at Room D407, VeA IZI VSRC . Seminar Programme 10:00 – 11:00 Prof. Valery M. Nakariakov , University of Warwick, UK "A Plasma Orchestra, or Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona" 11:00 – 12:00 Lunch break 12:00 – 15:00 Scientific seminar “Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona” as part of the JIV-ERIC National Node Scientific Seminar Series Please confirm your participation by marking your name in the Excel sheet: Participation Sheet You can join in person or online via Google Meet . Google Meet link --- A Plasma Orchestra, or Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona Valery M Nakariakov (University of Warwick, United Kingdom) The corona of the Sun is the outermost part of the solar atmosphere. The corona is a very hot, fully ionised plasma dominated by the magnetic field. The corona is the birthplace of extreme events of space weather, and a natural laboratory for plasma physics. One of the most fascinated discoveries made with recent high-precision spaceborne imaging telescopes operating in the extreme UV band is the ubiquitous dynamics of the corona in a form of various large-scale wave motions. An example of such an instrument is the Extreme UV imager on the recently launched Solar Orbiter spacecraft. Typical oscillation periods are several minutes, typical wavelengths are tens to hundred thousand kilometres, and typical speeds are from several tens to several thousand kilometres per second, which make the solar coronal waves the largest electromagnetic wave motions resolved simultaneously in time and space, detected in the Universe. The observed waves are confidently interpreted in terms of the magnetohydrodynamic theory. Various plasma structures of the corona support different types of wave modes, allowing for the use of the waves for the plasma diagnostics via the method of magnetohydrodynamic seismology.