Extending Multi‑Wavelength Science to the Frontiers of the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Low‑Frequency Radio Astronomy

Etienne Bonnassieux (SO postdoc, IAA-CSIC)
IAA-CSIC, Salón de Actos
17 Sept 2025, 10-13h

Radio astronomy is in the midst of a renaissance. Facilities such as LOFAR, the uGMRT and MeerKAT —pathfinders for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)— are revealing the low‑frequency (MHz / metre wavelength regime) sky with unprecedented fidelity. Their discoveries arrive just as other game‑changing observatories (e.g. the ELT and CTAO) come online, creating a uniquely rich multi‑wavelength landscape.This workshop opens with a concise primer on radio astronomy before focusing on the science unlocked at tens to hundreds of MHz: from solar eruptive events and pulsar searches to the physics of jets, extragalactic star formation, galaxy clusters and the Cosmic Dawn. We outline the capabilities of current low‑frequency arrays such as LOFAR, uGMRT, MWA, NenuFAR and other SKA precursors, and summarise the data products most useful to the broader community, including ready‑to‑use survey catalogues and transient alerts.Practical guidance follows: how to access archives and virtual‑observatory services, integrate radio data with optical/infrared or gamma‑ray programs. We close with a look ahead to LOFAR 2.0, SKA‑Low and next‑generation facilities that will extend sensitivity and bandwidth, alongside emerging partnerships that link radio, optical and other observatories.

Designed for researchers who wish to add a «radio lens» to their tool‑kit, the session balances scientific motivation with practical advice and concludes with an open discussion for deeper dives. Attendees will leave equipped to exploit the low‑frequency frontier and contribute to the next wave of transformative, multi‑wavelength science.

Objectives

By attending this workshop, participants will:

• Gain a clear overview of low-frequency radio astronomy (<1 GHz) and its role in multi-wavelength research.
• Learn about current and upcoming instruments (LOFAR, uGMRT, MWA, NenuFAR, SKA-Low) and their capabilities.
• Discover ready-to-use data products, catalogs, and survey resources for science at tens–hundreds of MHz.
• Understand observing modes (interferometric, beamformed) and performance trade-offs.
• Get practical guidance on data access, virtual observatory tools, and integration with other wavelengths.
• Explore future opportunities with LOFAR 2.0, SKA-Low, and next-generation facilities.
• Network with colleagues and join an open discussion to shape future collaborations.

Agenda

Duration: 3 hours

Part 1: Main Lecture (1.5 h)

• Introductory overview: radio astronomy in context of the electromagnetic spectrum
• Key science cases: Solar/heliospheric physics, Galactic sources, jets, galaxy clusters, Cosmic Dawn
• Observational techniques and performance metrics
• Survey landscape: LoTSS, GLEAM, MGCLS, CHIME/FRB, and more
• Access to data archives, VO services, and ready-to-use catalogs
• Future prospects: LOFAR 2.0, SKA-Low, partnerships

Coffee Break (30 min)

Part 2: Open Discussion (1 h)

• Practical questions on integrating radio data into multi-wavelength projects
• Opportunities for collaborative science and proposals
• Tools, training, and community support
• Participant-driven Q&A and topic deep-dives