Scientific and Technological Excellence by Leveraging LOFAR Advancements in Radio Astronomy

ended

The Institute of Astronomy with National Astronomical Observatory (IANAO) is the premier institute of astrophysics in Bulgaria, operating the National Astronomical Observatory, and the only one in Bulgaria engaged in radio astronomy (RA) and space weather (SW) research. It has recently taken a strategic decision to significantly expand its RA scientific arm, and to work towards adopting world-class radio observing capabilities. To this end, it has begun a collaboration with the Technical University of Sofia’s (TUS) Faculty of Telecommunications, a local expert institution with strong capabilities in phased antenna array communications. ASTRON is a world-class centre of RA science and technological development. DIAS is a world-leader in advanced astronomical studies and SW research. ASTRON and DIAS recognize the importance of a partnership with the IANAO for expanding the network of the advanced European distributed telescope LOFAR, as well as for enhancing its RA and space weather capabilities. The proposed “Scientific and Technological Excellence by Leveraging LOFAR Advancements in Radio astronomy” (STELLAR) project will address the goals of all four partners by significantly increasing the LOFAR technical and scientific expertise at TUS and IANAO. It will allow IANAO and TUS to develop and strengthen collaborations with ASTRON and DIAS. STELLAR is a major step towards the realization, utilization, and further development of a LOFAR station in Bulgaria. STELLAR will achieve its objectives through carefully planned trainings for IANAO and TUS staff at ASTRON and DIAS, including lectures, workshops, summer schools, and research staff exchanges. STELLAR will have a multiplicative effect for the Bulgarian astronomical and geophysical community as a whole through the development of RA, SW, and radio technology training curricula for Bulgarian scientists and engineers, thus ensuring a sustainable effect of the project.