The European Commission has established the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), paving the way to accelerate the Observatory's construction
The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) contributes to the project by developing data analysis software for the LST telescopes, common systems for the observatory, and studying active galactic nuclei, among other research areas
The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) has made a significant stride toward becoming the world's largest and most powerful gamma-ray astronomy observatory. The European Commission has officially established the CTAO as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), a recognition that not only accelerates the construction of the observatory but also ensures a solid framework for the global distribution of its valuable scientific data.
CTAO telescopes. Credit: Gabriel Pérez Diaz (IAC)/Marc-André Besel (CTAO)/ESO/ N. Risinger (skysurvey.org)
“The ERIC will streamline the construction and operation of the Observatory in a way that will undoubtedly help the CTAO attract new talent and investment as it continues to grow,” stated Dr. Aldo Covello, Chair of the Board of Governmental Representatives (BGR). “The ERIC status provides the CTAO with the legal stability and administrative advantages it needs to be sustainable in its worldwide operations and impact.”
The Spanish community, composed of the institutions CERES-UAB, CIEMAT, IAA-CSIC, IAC, ICCUB, ICE-CSIC, IFAE, IFT-UAM, IPARCOS-UCM, PIC, UAH and UJA, has contributed significantly to the construction and fine-tuning of the different components of the observatory, as well as to the development of software and the definition of the scientific objectives of the project.
Specifically, the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC) focuses on creating software for analyzing data from the LST telescopes, as well as common observatory systems like the Data Processing and Preservation System and the Science User Support System. Additionally, the IAA-CSIC leads the scientific study of active galactic nuclei, compact galactic objects, and their environments.
The CTAO ERIC was established with the international support of 11 countries and one intergovernmental organisation, contributing to the technological development, construction and operation of the Observatory.
The European Consortium also provides the CTAO’s Central Organization with a formal framework to accept and operate current telescope prototypes, enabling the immediate construction of the full array of more than 60 telescopes at sites in La Palma (Spain) and Chile.
Artistic rendering of the northern hemisphere site of the CTAO or CTAO-North. Credits: CTAO
The CTAO ERIC was established with the international support of 11 countries and one intergovernmental organisation, contributing to the technological development, construction and operation of the Observatory.
The European Consortium also provides the CTAO’s Central Organization with a formal framework to accept and operate current telescope prototypes, enabling the immediate construction of the full array of more than 60 telescopes at sites in La Palma (Spain) and Chile.
The ERIC status will impact more than hardware, influencing other key areas. In the coming months, the Observatory will integrate and operate advanced software to control telescopes and support devices, as well as manage data processing. The CTAO will also continue its recruitment campaign across its facilities, including its headquarters in Italy and the Scientific Data Management Center in Germany, ensuring robust support for these developments.
The CTAO was recognized as a “Landmark” in the 2018 Roadmap of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) and ranked as a priority among new ground-based infrastructures in the 2022-2035 ASTRONET Roadmap. Now, after years of extensive preparatory work and with the final legal entity in place, the CTAO solidifies its position in the global scientific community, fostering synergies with other international organizations and observatories.
“The ERIC status reinforces the CTAO’s presence in Europe and its role as a key player in the European Research Area, but the support received and the reach of the CTAO ERIC’s influence extend far beyond European borders,” explained Prof. Federico Ferrini, Co-Director General. “To build and operate the largest gamma-ray observatory in the world that meets the ambitious needs of the global scientific community, we rely on a growing number of partners worldwide.”
The countries comprising the CTAO ERIC are Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Spain, France, Italy, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), Poland, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, Switzerland participates as an Observer, Japan as a Strategic Partner, and Australia as an External Member.
CTAO: UNMATCHED PRECISION IN ITS FIELD
The CTAO, with its unparalleled precision and wide energy range, will be pivotal in addressing some of the most fascinating astrophysical questions. Its research will focus on three major areas: unraveling the origin and role of relativistic cosmic particles, exploring extreme environments like black holes and neutron stars, and pushing the boundaries of physics by searching for dark matter or potential deviations from Einstein's theory of relativity.
Moreover, the CTAO will play a key role in the field of multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy in the coming decades. Its superior performance will provide crucial insights into gamma rays, essential for investigating the universe's most extreme environments.
To cover its wide energy range, the CTAO will employ three types of telescopes: Large-Sized Telescopes (LST), Medium-Sized Telescopes (MST), and Small-Sized Telescopes (SST). More than 60 telescopes will be distributed across two sites: the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC) in La Palma, Spain, and the Paranal Observatory of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in the Atacama Desert, Chile.
The three types of CTAO telescopes: Large-Sized Telescopes (LST), Medium-Sized Telescopes (MST) and Small-Sized Telescopes (SST). Credit: Gabriel Pérez Díaz, IAC
A BIG DATA AND OPEN SCIENCE OBSERVATORY
The CTAO is a Big Data project, expected to generate hundreds of petabytes (PB) of data annually. Furthermore, its commitment to Open Science will make it the first gamma-ray observatory to operate as an open facility, based on observation proposals. It will also offer public access to its high-level scientific data and software products, fostering global collaboration.
THE EUROPEAN RESEARCH INFRAESTRUCTURE CONSORTIUM (ERIC)
The European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) is a specific legal framework under EU legislation that facilitates the establishment and operation of Research Infrastructures of European interest.
ERIC members include EU Member States, associated countries within the EU's framework program for research and innovation, and, under certain conditions, non-EU countries and intergovernmental organizations.