High Energy and Robotics Astrophysics

Variable phenomena are seen in all-time scales in the Universe, ranging from the Solar System (like bright fireballs across the sky) to the distant galaxies (with the furthermost gamma-ray burst found so far at a redshift a = 8.3). By means of robotic astronomical observatories and accessing other observatories worldwide and in space, we try to understand the underlying physics of these sources through a multi-wavelength approach.

Despite decades of research, the study of the transient sky still presents fundamental open questions, in particular the gamma-ray burst field being therefore one of the most active research fields in astrophysics. Large observational and computing facilities are dedicated to their study. Our research is aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the nature of astrophysical transients, by means of scientific and technological efforts. Particularly we intend to develop a worldwide network of robotic telescopes called BOOTES in order to:

i) detect astrophysical transients in the whole celestial sphere, ranging from Solar System objects (fireballs) to distant cosmic blasts (like GRBs);
ii) support space missions like INTEGRAL, SWIFT in order to perform optical/nIR follow-up observations of the observed high-energy targets;
iii) to trigger larger facilities for unveiling the nature of unique objects discovered by real-time analysis.

High Energy and Robotics Astrophysics Group of the IAA makes multifrequency observations of high-energy phenomena and synthesis models of stellar population, while developing astronomical instruments such as the automation of small and medium observatories. This group leads opportunity programs at all observatories in our country and is member of various international collaborations. It also participates in space projects as the INTEGRAL satellite of the European Space Agency or UFFO-p experiment aboard the Lomonosov mission.