Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía

Academic Spanish Course for Foreigners (2025)
2025-01-21 09:00 - 2025-10-30 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
The Academic Spanish course for foreigners is designed to facilitate effective communication in academic and profesional contexts. Through a practical and personalized focus, the participants will develop essential linguistic abilities to discuss scientific articles, participate in conferences, give presentations, and collaborate in international projects. The program includes technical vocabulary, beginner and advanced grammar, and simulations of real-life situations. Moreover, it will promote the cultural immersion to strengthen the comprehension of the Hispanic world, and their impact on interdisciplinary investigation and collaboration.
This course will be taught throughout in the following blocks:
January 21st – February 27thApril 22nd – May 29thSeptember 23rd – October 30thThe course is taught by Prof. Nazira Ruíz

New clues about how Mars lost its water
2025-07-03 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
I will talk about a recent study led by IAA-CSIC focused on the atmospheric H escape during high obliquity period in recent Mars (average ~35º in last millions of years). Observations show that current thermal H escape (major water loss process) varies seasonally, with considerable increases during dust storms of both water abundance in the upper atmosphere and H escape rate. Present H-loss rates agree with 3D simulations by the Mars Planetary Climate Model used in this study, varying with season between 1-11 x1026 atoms/s. However, if we apply current escape rates to Mars’ entire history, those values cannot fully explain the large volumes of ancient surface water suggested by several geological and mineralogical observatios.
Our simulations with an obliquity of 35º indicate that the H escape rate could have been up to 20 times larger than today. The accumulated H loss over Mars history would translate into ~80 m Global Equivalent Layer, aligning with the lower range of geological estimates and highlighting atmospheric H loss as a key factor in Mars’ desiccation.
Fecha: 03/07/2025 – 12:30Dr. Gabriella GilliIAA-CSIC

A UV-to-IR view of a nearby high-z analog with JWST and HST to interpret the first galaxies
2025-07-15 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
In the current JWST era, detailed observations of the first generation of galaxies have started to revolutionize our knowledge of the early Universe, with outstanding but also puzzling discoveries. In particular, high-z systems in the epoch of reionization (z>6) are generally found to be low-mass, compact and metal-poor, and show prominent emission lines, indicating extreme radiation fields. However, their properties are not trivial to be determined, some seem to show intriguing chemical inhomogeneities and an unprecedented number of them may host massive accreting black holes (i.e., Active Galactic Nucleus, AGN, activity) already in the first billion years. Nearby blue compact dwarf galaxies such as SBS 0335-052 E share similar properties, and thus represent the perfect local laboratories for the multi-wavelength detailed studies required to understand the properties and mechanisms driving such intriguing scenarios. In this talk, I will show new MIRI/MRS data of SBS 0335-052 E, mapping MIR lines (e.g., [NeII], [SIV], [NeIII], [OIV], [NeV]), in combination with UV spectroscopy and imaging. These data map the ionized gas at different level of ionization and dust attenuation at sub-kpc scales in this system for the first time. Thus, they allow us to investigate the main ionization sources of the gas (massive stars, shocks or AGN) in this high-z analog, revealing the presence of an extended very high ionization emission possibly due to an accreting intermediate massive black hole. Overall, this study provides us with an extremely powerful toolkit, pivotal for understanding the gas conditions and feedback from different ionization sources in the earliest galaxies that reionized the universe.
Fecha: 15/07/2025 – 12:30Dr. Matilde MingozziSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, USA

Using Artificial Intelligence to unveil the secrets of stars from their vibrations
2025-07-22 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
During all stages of evolution, stars oscillate as a superposition of normal modes of certain frequencies that are indicative of their internal structures and compositions. These vibrations are visible as surface brightness fluctuations, and have been observed by numerous telescopes. Despite the availability of an extensive sample of stars observed by the Kepler telescope, and the anticipated influx of additional data from missions such as TESS and the forthcoming PLATO, the full scientific exploitation of these datasets remains constrained by the conventional methods which require substantial computational time and resources for detailed analysis.
In this talk, I will discuss about asteroseismology and demonstrate how we leverage advanced deep learning techniques to facilitate rapid analysis of these datasets, especially those of post-main-sequence stars which have normal modes that enable us to investigate their interiors in significant detail, including rotation rates and magnetic fields.
Fecha: 22/07/2025 – 12:30Shatanik BhattacharyaTata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India

The assembly process of star clusters: ALMA-IMF protoclusters traced by N2H+
2025-07-24 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
In this talk I focus on the analysis of two of ALMA-IMF Large program protoclusters, the G353.41 and the G351.77, located at a distance of ∼2 kpc and with masses ∼2.5×10^3 M⊙ within 2pc^2 , and both embedded in larger-scale (∼8 pc) «mother filaments». We analyze the dense gas kinematics a 4 kau resolution traced by N2H+ (1−0). Focusing on G353, and from position-velocity (PV) diagrams we suggest that at large scales (~1 pc) the protocluster is undergoing slow gravitational. On small scales (~0.1 pc) we find multiple «V-shapes», or converging velocity gradients (VGs). These are consistent with gas flows toward «cores», which are small (~4 kau) condensations of mass representing the sites of formation of individual or a small number of stars. We find that V-shapes near the hub of G351 have the largest mass accretion rates in our sample (by a factor of ~77% compared to the mean), suggesting a faster collapse at the center relative to the outskirts. This indicates that the most massive stars are already forming at the center of the protocluster. Turning to G351, we find similar results and the ubiquitous presence of V-shapes in the PV diagram analysis. Hence we suggest that the conditions in G353 and G351 are generic features of Milky Way disk protoclusters. Moreover we suggest that the V-shapes may represent a useful tool as an early star formation rate tracer, although this hypothesis remains to be thoroughly tested. In more evolved protoclusters such as G012, we witness the emergence of kinematic features consistent with rotation, which are correlated with star formation indicators. In summary, I highlight the power of dense gas kinematics to «pick apart» the Milky Way cluster formation process.
Fecha: 24/07/2025 – 12:30Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Alvarez GutiérrezUniversity of St Andrews, Scotland; Universidad de Concepción, Chile

Unveiling the transport of Galactic cosmic rays with diffuse γ-rays and neutrinos at the highest energies
2025-09-10 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
The Tibet-ASγ and LHAASO collaborations recently provided the first evidence of diffuse γ-ray emission from the Galactic plane up to the PeV range. Due to the challenges this poses to current theoretical models, it is crucial to carefully study different scenarios of diffuse γ-ray production, specially towards the centre of the Galaxy. Moreover, IceCube achieved the first measurements of the neutrino emission from the Galactic plane, offering a complementary tool to study the distribution of Galactic cosmic rays up to the knee. Remarkably, these observations provide a unique tool to study the origin of the most energetic Galactic cosmic rays, the propagation of these particles in different regions of the Galaxy and their composition.
In this talk, I’ll discuss how measurements of the gamma-ray and neutrino diffuse emissions are correlated to the production and transport of cosmic rays in the Galaxy and what the implications of these recent observations are in our theoretical models. In particular, I’ll show that current observations are compatible with the expected emission from diffuse cosmic rays, with unresolved sources playing a subdominant role, and the first hints that seem to favor scenarios of non-uniform propagation of cosmic rays in the Galaxy.
Fecha: 10/09/2025 – 12:30Pedro de la Torre LuqueInstituto de Física Teórica UAM-CSIC

Extending Multi‑Wavelength Science to the Frontiers of the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Low‑Frequency Radio Astronomy
2025-09-17 10:00 - 13:00 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
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

Asymmetrical Post-main-sequence Nebulae 9
2025-09-22 08:00 - 2025-09-26 17:00 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
A meeting devoted to the shaping effects of stellar outflows from evolved stars in the formation of asymmetrical post-main-sequence nebulae including planetary nebulae, nebulae around massive stars, nova remnants, symbiotic stars, …
Scientific topics:
1.- Puzzling evolved star nebulae that challenge our present knowledge:

morphology, kinematics, chemistry, time-scales, exotic central stars, …
statistics: common and uncommon

2.- PNe related/unrelated objects:

novae, SNR, LRN (mergers), massive stars, symbiotics, …
transient nebulae and other eruptive objects

3.- Shaping Agents:

mass-loss mechanisms
role of binarity — binary mass-transfer, common envelope
magnetic fields — strength, structure
other agents
disks, circumbinary disks, jet launching

4.- Nebular sequences:

connecting the shape of sources in the AGB, post AGB, proto PN and PN phases
evolutionary time-scales

5.- Binarity:

observational and theoretical expectations
links to common envelope, time-scales, mergers, exotic central stars

6.- Future:

maximazing science from available and planned facilities

Scientific Organizing Committee
Martin A Guerrero (chair)Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA – CSIC, Granada, Spain)
Noam Soker (co-chair)Technion, Israel Institute of Technology (Haifa, Israel)
Orsola de MarcoMacquarie University (Sydney, NSW, Australia)
Denise R. GonçalvesUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
David JonesInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC, Tenerife, Spain)
Joel H. KastnerRochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY, USA)
Jason NordhausRochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY, USA)
Quentin ParkerThe University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Nicole ReindlZentrum für Astronomie, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität (Heidelberg, Germany)
Carmen Sánchez ContrerasCentro de Astrobiología (CAB-CSIC-INTA, Spain)
Albert ZijlstraThe University of Manchester (Manchester, UK)

Local Organizing Committee
Faezeh BidjarchianInstituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA – CSIC, Granada, Spain)
Janis B Rodríguez GonzálezInstituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA – CSIC, Granada, Spain)
Edgar I SantamariaInstituto de Radioastronomía y Astrofísica (IRyA – UNAM, Mexico)

SO Colloquium: Dark and Quiet Skies: Challenges and Actions
2025-09-25 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
This is the term coined at the first international conference to address the growing threat of satellite megaconstellations. Astronomy requires a dark sky, free from pollutants and radiation. In the best astronomical sites, regulations are already being implemented to protect observational science. In Spain, we were—and continue to be—pioneers in “sky protection” laws.
The uncontrolled development of space technology is confronting us with a new challenge: how to regulate the use of “Outer Space,” a term referring to the region above approximately 100 km, which does not fall under the jurisdiction of individual states. While the issue of local light pollution remains unresolved, we now face the additional threat of contamination from the increasing number of satellites being launched and the radio emissions they use to communicate with Earth.
This debate has reached the United Nations, the only body capable of providing global guidelines. Alongside the protection of science, other key aspects are also at stake: culture, health, the environment, and space security. Progress is more likely if we build arguments that include all these perspectives. For this reason, it is essential to deepen the discussion and develop a sound strategy soon.
Fecha y lugar: 25/09/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosCasiana Muñoz TuñónInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias – IAC

La Noche de l@s Investigador@s 2025
2025-09-26 09:00 - 22:30 | Fuente de las Granadas, Pl. del Humilladero, Granada, Granada, 18009, España
Por 14º año consecutivo y al mismo tiempo que en casi 400 ciudades europeas, te descubrimos el lado más humano de la investigación a través de un contacto directo y de la conversación con expertos y expertas.
La Noche Europea de l@s Investigador@s se celebra este año el 26 de septiembre en las ocho capitales andaluzas y te invitamos a Granada a celebrarla en el Stand del IAA-CSIC, en el Paseo del Salón.
En esta nueva edición de 2025, la Noche apuesta un año más por llenar de talleres, experimentos, rutas y charlas sobre ciencia e investigación las calles y plazas de las ciudades andaluzas. Y en el IAA-CSIC hemos preparado un programa con actividades fantásticas para ese día:
Viernes 26 de septiembre – Paseo del Salón
Por la mañana (actividades reservadas para colegios ya inscritos)
Astronomía accesible, el Universo en tus manos – Enrique Pérez Montero
Taller cósmico: ¿cuál es la forma del Universo? – Ana Conrado Pérez y Celia Navas Martín

Por la tarde (acceso libre)
18:00 – Telescopios que atraviesan la oscuridad: el centro de nuestra Galaxia al descubierto – Lucía Bravo & María Álvarez
18:15 – ¿Hay que asustarse por el ‘posible’ impacto de un asteroide? – René Duffard
18:30 – ¿Nos estamos quedando solos en el Universo? La tensión de Hubble – Raúl González Díaz
18:45 – Cuando los datos suenan – Rubén García-Benito
19:00 – 5Sigma Podcast – Antonio Giménez, Javier Méndez, Lucía Bravo & Alberto Peláez
19:35 – Clementina y los planetas – Sara Cazzoli
19:55 – Observar y simular el universo: el papel de DESI en el estudio de la energía oscura – Elena Fernández García
20:10 – ¿Quién controla a las Galaxias? – Marta Puig-Subirà
20:25 – Explorando el Universo más extremo – Paula Kornecki & Marine Pihet
20:40 – Estrellas que mueren y devoran planetas – Martín A. Guerrero & Jesús Toalá
…
18:00 – 22:00 – Mesa de Realidad Virtual – SKAO & CTAO
Además, por segundo año, tendremos por la mañana, con los colegios, la actividad «Pregunta a una técnica», con Josefina ‘Fini’ Sánchez Valverde (IGME-CSIC), Sara Peñalver Martín (EEA-CSIC), Mª Jesús ‘Marichu’ Campos Ramos (EEZ-CSIC), Luz Mª Canet Antequera (IPBLN-CSIC), Raquel Fernández Penas (IACT-CSIC) y Mabel Ruiz López (IAA-CSIC)
Se trata de una actividad organizada por la Red de Comisiones de Igualdad, Diversidad e Inclusión de los distintos centros de investigación del CSIC granadinos:

El Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC)
La Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC)
La Escuela de Estudios Árabes (EEA-CSIC)
El Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra (IPBLN-CSIC)
El Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (IACT-CSIC)
El Centro Nacional Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (CN IGME-CSIC)

Programación Controladores Beckhof
2025-09-30 - 2025-10-02 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Los Controladores Lógicos Programables (PLCs) de la empresa Beckhoff son muy usados en la actualidad en muchos campos de la ingeniería industrial. Entre ellos, en el área de la instrumentación para astronomía, ya que el Observatorio Europeo Austral (ESO) los adoptó hace años como estándar para los sistemas de control de la instrumentación desarrollada para sus telescopios. Sus componentes principales son los PLCs basados en PCs, también conocidos como soft-PLCs, pero Beckhoff cuenta con un amplio catálogo de productos, tales como paneles de control táctil, tarjetas de entradas/salidas digitales y analógicas o fuentes de alimentación, que permiten desarrollar sistemas de control de subsistemas o instrumentos completos a partir de un diseño modular.
A día de hoy, tres de los proyectos de instrumentación en curso en los que la UDIT participa (MOSAIC, TARSIS, PACOO) están basados en controladores Beckhoff, lo que implica la necesidad de formación del personal encargado de su programación, configuración y desarrollo. En años anteriores ya se celebró un curso de iniciación a la programación en entorno Beckhoff (2019) y otro más específico para el control de motores (2021). El curso que se propone ahora está enfocado en otros aspectos más especializados en el desarrollo de este tipo de sistemas, tales como el uso de módulos de la familia TwinSafe, que se centran en la redundancia y seguridad, o la programación de dispositivos táctiles para la visualización y el control.»

SO Colloquium: Magnetic fields on Extrasolar Planets: From Radio Emission to High-Energy Cosmic Rays
2025-09-30 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Event though there is no firm evidence for their presence to date, a considerable fraction of extrasolar planets are expected to host a magnetic field. At the same time, the planetary magnetic field plays an important role in the evolution of a planet, determining the protection of its atmosphere against the stellar wind, against stellar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and against cosmic rays. In view of the importance of exoplanetary magnetic fields, various attempts have been undertaken in order to predict their intensity. We will present different models for planetary magnetic fields and compare their results. We will also present a number of methods that have been suggested for the observations of exoplanetary magnetic fields, the most promising of which is the detection of planetary radio emission. We will also discuss the implications of the magnetic field on the planetary atmosphere via the effect of high-energy cosmic rays.
Fecha y lugar: 30/09/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosDr. Jean-Mathias GriessmeierObservatorio del Radiotelescopio de Nançay, Francia

Reducing the Uncertainty on the Hubble Constant up to 35% with an Improved Statistical Analysis
2025-10-03 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Reducing the Uncertainty on the Hubble Constant up to 35% with an Improved Statistical Analysis: Different Best-fit Likelihoods for Type Ia Supernovae, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, Quasars, and Gamma-Ray Bursts
Cosmological models and their parameters are widely debated, especially about whether the current discrepancy between the values of the Hubble constant, H 0, obtained by Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the Planck data from the cosmic microwave background radiation could be alleviated when alternative cosmological models are considered. Thus, combining high-redshift probes, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and quasi-stellar objects (QSOs, or quasars), together with baryon acoustic oscillations and SNe Ia is important to assess the viability of these alternative models and whether they can cast further light on the Hubble tension.
In this work, for GRBs, we use a three-dimensional relation between the peak prompt luminosity, the rest-frame time at the end of the X-ray plateau, and its corresponding luminosity in X-rays: the 3D Dainotti fundamental plane relation. Regarding QSOs, we use the Risaliti-Lusso relation among the UV and X-ray luminosities for a sample of 2421 sources. We correct both the QSO and GRB relations by accounting for selection and evolutionary effects with a reliable statistical method. We here use both the traditional Gaussian likelihoods ( LG ) and the new best-fit likelihoods ( LN ) to infer cosmological parameters of nonflat Lambda cold dark matter (LambdaCDM) and flat wCDM models. We obtain for all the parameters reduced uncertainties, up to 35% for H0, when applying the new LN likelihoods in place of the Gaussian ones.
Our results remain consistent with a flat LambdaCDM model, although with a shift of the dark energy parameter w toward w < -1 and a curvature density parameter toward Omega k < 0.
Fecha y lugar: 03/10/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosMaria Giovanna DainottiNational Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)

Eighth Workshop on Robotic Autonomous Observatories
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-10 | Hotel Cabo de Gata El Toyo, Almeria, Urbanización El Toyo, C. de los Juegos de Casablanca, 04131, Almería, Retamar, Almería, 04131, Spain
Sixteen years after the inaugural workshop in Málaga, robotic and autonomous astronomical observatories have achieved remarkable advancements. The global number of automated facilities has grown substantially, along with their capabilities in robotization, autonomy, and networking. These developments, driven by the search for electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational waves (such as the groundbreaking detection in 2017), have profoundly influenced diverse areas of astrophysics and beyond, including:

Fireball detection
Minor planet studies
Exoplanet searches
Monitoring variable stars in the Galaxy
Studying active galactic nuclei
Supernova detection and monitoring
Rapid follow-up of high-energy transients like gamma-ray bursts
Electromagnetic counterparts to neutrino and gravitational waves

The workshop will also highlight the increasing importance of space debris surveillance and tracking, the observation of Near-Earth Objects, the role of robotic observatories in public outreach and education, and their contributions to open science.
The Scientific Organizing Committee aims to deliver a dynamic program addressing scientific, technical, educational, and outreach themes.
We encourage researchers, engineers, educators, and enthusiasts working in these fields to join us at AstroRob2025. The success of this workshop series has been largely due to the active participation, insightful presentations, and engaging discussions contributed by its attendees. Your involvement is key to making the forthcoming workshop as fruitful and inspiring as previous editions.

IAU Symposium - The Hidden Beauty of the Galactic Outskirts
2025-10-06 08:00 - 2025-10-10 17:00 | Rectorado de la Universidad de Córdoba, Av. de Medina Azahara, 5, Poniente Sur, Córdoba, 14071, Spain
The IAU Symposium ‘The Hidden Beauty of the Galactic Outskirts’ aims to bring together experts in galaxy formation and evolution to discuss the latest research, challenges, and future directions in the field. The symposium will take place in the historic city of Córdoba, Spain, from October 6-10, 2025.
Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rich cultural and historical backdrop for this prestigious event. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the city’s stunning architecture, including the famous Mosque-Cathedral, and enjoy its vibrant cultural scene. The symposium will provide a platform for scientists to share their latest findings, foster new collaborations, and inspire future research.
The event is expected to attract around 150 participants from various countries, creating a diverse and dynamic environment for knowledge exchange. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, from tidal streams and the disruption of satellite galaxies to the role of dark matter in galaxy formation. With a programme designed to encourage in-depth discussions and collaborative opportunities, this symposium promises to be a milestone event in the field.

Abstract:
The Golden Age for low surface brightness Universe studies has begun. Data from the many ongoing and future ground-based surveys like DESI, LSST, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and space missions like Euclid or ARRAKIHS (First Spanish-led ESA mission), will open the door to discoveries on the history of formation and evolution of galaxies and, most probably, to constrain the nature of Dark Matter.
These data allow researchers to test models of galaxy formation that remained theoretical for many years. Studying the formation of galaxies through the analysis of faint structures in local galaxies’ outskirts can shed some light on the process of galaxy assembly and on the nature of the matter that rules the gravitational collapse of early Universe structures, the dark matter.
This symposium will bring together experts on galaxy formation and evolution to identify current challenges in this research field, report recent results and discoveries, and define future science avenues. The main objective is to enrich the current ongoing discussions on the interpretation of the new data, to detect synergies among research groups, and to trigger the forging of new international collaborations.

Unveiling Water Vapor Transport in the Martian Atmosphere: Unexpected discoveries by NOMAD/TGO
2025-10-09 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Water is a key component of planetary atmospheres, shaping their climate and habitability. On Earth, Venus or Mars, water vapor drives their atmospheric chemistry, and serves as a crucial indicator for potential habitability. Understanding its transport, condensation/sublimation, and loss to space is essential for planetary evolution. In this context, Mars offers a compelling case. Despite its current cold and dry state, geological evidence suggests a wetter past. Today, on Mars, water vapor exists in trace amounts but plays a crucial role in many chemical and radiative processes.
Until recently, knowledge of the vertical distribution of water vapor was limited to models and column density estimates. With the advent of the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), it has become possible to systematically probe the Martian atmosphere using the solar occultation technique. Already well established on Earth, solar occultations provide detailed information on both the geographic and vertical distribution of trace species such as water vapor.TBD
Fecha y lugar: 09/10/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosAdrián BrinesInstituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC)

EPIC Technology Meeting on Photonics for Space at IAA
2025-10-14 08:00 - 2025-10-15 17:00 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
This EPIC Technology Meeting on Photonics for Space will delve into the latest advancements and challenges in applying photonics technology to space and new space, in harsh environments. Sessions will cover topics from the lastest development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for space, emerging trends and challenges in the new space, photonics for harsh environments, and the role and challenges of photonics in earth observation for environmental monitoring. Hosted by Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, in Granada, Spain, it offers a unique opportunity for insightful discussions on the role of photonics in space within an environment rich in observatory, astrophysics, and space end-user expertise. The event aims to bring together industry experts to share insights, explore research and development opportunities, and facilitate efficient networking among participants.

SO Basics of Neural Networks 2025
2025-10-16 09:00 - 2025-10-17 17:00 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Deep learning (DL) is a family of techniques widely used in multiple fields with excellent results. Unfortunately, DL has a steep learning curve. Fortunately, several domain-specific libraries have been developed to facilitate the use of DL models.
For the widespread adoption of these techniques, researchers should be able to design and use their own DL models. Image classification is one of the main applications of DL in astrophysics and offers a convenient way to learn about neural networks. The de facto standard to tackle this problem is Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), a concrete deep learning architecture. This course will serve as an introduction to Deep Learning with four sessions with the following objectives: understanding the basics of neural networks, getting to know the fundamental libraries and fundamental architectures, learning how to train a CNN, gaining confidence in using CNNs for image classification tasks, and learning how to evaluate their preformance.

Session 1: Deep Learning fundamentals
Session 2: Convolutional Neural Networks fundamentals
Session 3: Practical considerations in real-world CNNs
Session 4: Evaluation

The tutor of this school is Dr Francisco Eduardo Sanchez Karhunen (Universidad de Sevilla).
There will be coffee breaks available to participants.
Contents

Session 1: Deep Learning fundamentals
Session 2: Convolutional Neural Networks fundamentals
Session 3: Practical considerations in real-world CNNs
Session 4: Evaluation

For more details, see the agenda below.
The repository with contents and materials can be found in Github (TBC)
Organizing Committee

Rainer Schödel (Chair), IAA-CSIC, Spain
Laura Darriba, IAA-CSIC, Spain
Javier Moldón, IAA-CSIC, Spain

The Stellar Halos of Galaxies and Outskirts of Galaxy Clusters: Clues to their Accretion History
2025-10-16 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Understanding mass assembly at different scales is key to improving our knowledge on galaxy formation and evolution in general. Stellar halos of galaxies, primarily formed through the accretion and merger of smaller objects, preserve memory of their assembly history, offering unique insight into the accretion and mass growth history of galaxies. During the last decade there has been significant progress, both from the observational and numerical side, to characterize stellar halos of Milky Way-mass galaxies. And more recently the outskirts of low-mass galaxies have also started to be explored. On the high mass end, outskirts of galaxy clusters are also important observational probes of how these systems grow in a cosmological context and can provide insights into their accretion history.
In this talk, I will present the main results both from observations and cosmological simulations that allow us to link the observed properties of stellar halos with the accretion history of their host galaxies. Additionally, I will present the first kinematical measurement of a diffuse stellar halo beyond the Local Group, the stellar halo of the edge-on galaxy NGC 4945, using a novel technique. We couple new deep MUSE spectroscopic observations with existing HST imaging data to spectroscopically measure the radial line-of-sight heliocentric velocity and velocity dispersion in a field at 40 kpc (stellar halo field) along NGC 4945 major axis. If time permits, I will introduce the 4MOST/CHANCES survey, aimed at observing the outskirts of ~150 galaxy clusters.
Fecha y lugar: 16/10/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosAntonela MonachesiUniversidad de La Serena, Chile

Presentación final del estudio de viabilidad "Performance and Requirement Consolidation study" de CAIRT
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-22 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Durante los días 21 y 22 de octubre de 2025, científicos de varios centros de investigación atmósferica de Europa, propulsores de la misión CAIRT (The Changing-Atmosphere Infra-Red Tomography Explorer), propuesta a la ESA como una de las dos misiones espaciales en fase A como candidatas al programa Earth Explorer 11, se reúnen en el IAA para exponer y debatir las conclusiones finales del estudio científico de dicha misión.
En concreto se trata de la presentación final de uno de los estudios de viabilidad de CAIRT, el denominado «PerRec», «Performance and Requirement Consolidation study» de CAIRT.

Breaks in radial metallicity gradients of spiral galaxies
2025-10-21 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Radial abundance gradients in spiral galaxy disks provide key constraints on chemical evolution and galaxy formation. While inside-out growth predicts negative gradients, observations often reveal deviations such as inner drops or outer flattenings.
I will present recent results from our group on O/H gradients in spiral galaxies using H II region data from the CALIFA survey. We apply an automated fitting procedure to explore correlations between the physical properties of galaxies and bulges and the presence of these inner drops, seeking possible explanations for the observed variations. We also examine how ionization source classification and diffuse ionized gas (DIG) contamination influence the inner gradient.
Finally, I will present new results for the Milky Way based on planetary nebulae with improved distances from a recalibrated Hα surface brightness–radiusrelation and Gaia DR3 parallaxes. These indicate a flatter O/H gradient than previously reported, with a slope change near 8 kpc, coinciding with the corotation radius.
Fecha y lugar: 21/10/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosProf. Oscar CavichiaInstituto de Fisíca e Química, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Brasil

SO Colloquium: WST - The Wide Field Spectroscopic Telescope
2025-10-23 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
The WST project aims to design and construct an innovative 10-metre class wide-field spectroscopic survey telescope (WST) in the southern hemisphere. It will feature the parallel operation of two cutting-edge instruments: a high-multiplex (30,000), large field-of-view (3 square degrees) multi-object spectrograph (MOS) operating in both low- and high-resolution modes, and a giant panoramic integral field spectrograph (IFS).
WST’s ambitious top-level requirements place it well ahead of all existing and planned facilities. In its first five years of operation, the MOS is expected to observe 300 million galaxies, 25 million stars at low resolution, and 2 million stars at high resolution, while the IFS will deliver 4 billion spectra. These capabilities will enable transformative science across a wide range of astrophysical domains.
A key strength of WST lies in the synergy between its MOS and IFS instruments, offering highly complementary spectroscopic survey modes. This dual approach is central to the project’s scientific ambition.
WST is envisioned as the next major facility for ESO following the ELT, and a proposal will be submitted in response to the upcoming ESO Call for Ideas in 2027. The project is backed by a large consortium of leading institutes from nine European countries and Australia, with deep expertise in astronomical instrumentation and survey science.
Fecha y lugar: 23/10/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosProf. Roland BaconCRAL – Observatoire de Lyon, France

Estrellas con voz propia. PLATO y las últimas misiones espaciales en astrosismología
2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Las estrellas, además de luz propia, tienen «voz» propia. Así como la luz de las estrellas nos ha dado desde hace tiempo valiosas informaciones sobre su atmósfera y composición, las oscilaciones acústicas de las estrellas pulsantes, esa «voz propia» que se viene observando desde hace pocas décadas a través de variaciones de brillo, nos está revelando muchas de sus propiedades físicas y hasta su estructura interna. Además, el descubrimiento de otros tipos de oscilaciones, por ahora investigadas solo en modelos teóricos, podrá potencialmente revolucionar la física estelar.
Desde los hallazgos de las primeras variables por parte de Henrietta Leavitt hasta la próxima inminente misión espacial PLATO de la ESA, pasando por las predecesoras Corot, Kepler y TESS, en esta charla veremos cómo el fascinante campo de la astrosismología desvela los secretos más íntimos de las estrellas a través de esa «voz propia» y cuál es el emocionante futuro que nos espera en la comprensión de la evolución y de las dinámicas estelares.
Fecha: 30/10/2025 – 19:00Conferenciante: Javier PascualFiliación: Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC)

Intellectual Property for Researchers
2025-10-31 09:00 - 14:00 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
IAA-CSIC, Salón de Actos31 Oct 2025, 9-11h and 12-14h

Objectives

After this seminar, you will know how to:

Protect your research results with legal instruments (patents, copyright, etc.)
Not to infringe the intellectual property rights of others
Disseminate your research results following the principles of open science

Contents

Introduction
Basic notions on Intellectual Property Rights
Industrial property

(coffee break)

Copyright
Software licenses
Open data, open science

Instructor
Víctor Rodríguez Doncel (1978), Profesor Titular de Universidad at the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Víctor regularly teaches intellectual property rights (IPR) for scientists, and his research focuses on artificial intelligence and law. He is editor of several ISO/IEC standards on the representation of IPR and a W3C Recommendation. He is coordinating now a EU-funded project on the AI Regulation, and this year he will give a talk at the Congreso de la Lengua Española on «Lengua, IA y propiedad intelectual» in Arequipa, invited by Real Academia Española de la lengua (RAE).
This event is supported by the «Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa» award to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía. We acknowledge financial support from the Severo Ochoa grant CEX2021-001131-S funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía.

Photonic E-MARCOT: Un nuevo concepto de telescopio de gran apertura. Diseño, casos científicos e impacto
2025-11-04 - 2025-11-05 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Photonic E-MARCOT es un nuevo concepto de telescopio astronómico de gran apertura, escalable y modular, basado en la combinación de múltiples unidades ópticas comerciales (OTAs, del inglés Optical Tube Assemblies) mediante linternas fotónicas. El modo operativo combinado de estas OTAS puede lograr el equivalente a un telescopio monolítico de mayor apertura con un coste estimado diez veces inferior al de infraestructuras similares existentes o futuras.
La clave de este innovador concepto radica en la integración de tecnología fotónica de última generación, lo que permite una capacidad sin precedentes para la combinación óptica y la recolección de luz. En particular, Photonic E-MARCOT utilizará tecnología fotónica para recoger la luz de cada unidad comercial a través de una fibra y combinarla ópticamente mediante una avanzada linterna fotónica multimodo (MM-PL, del inglés Multi-Mode Photonic Lantern), la cual no ha sido aplicada previamente en contextos astronómicos. Este enfoque permitirá acoplar Photonic E-MARCOT con espectrógrafos de alta resolución ya existentes, como instrumentos similares a CARMENES.
Actualmente, el proyecto ha desarrollado el prototipo MARCOT-Pathfinder, que consta de 7 OTAs de 0.40 metros, equivalentes a una apertura efectiva de 1,1 metros. La innovación clave reside en el uso de una linterna fotónica multimodo 7-a-1 (MM-PL) para combinar la luz proveniente de estas OTAs. Este telescopio, equipado con un modo espectroscópico basado en MM-PL, actuará como demostrador del concepto, constituyendo el objetivo principal de la Fase 1 del proyecto Photonic E-MARCOT. La Fase 2 ampliará esta base, apuntando hacia una apertura efectiva de 5 metros. El objetivo final, en la Fase 3, es construir un telescopio con una apertura equivalente de 15 metros. Para ello, ya se ha asegurado financiación mediante una convocatoria de Equipamiento de la Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) para desarrollar el primer módulo espectroscópico basado en tecnología MM-PL, paso crítico para alcanzar estos objetivos.
El caso científico principal del proyecto Photonic E-MARCOT será el estudio de exoplanetas y sistemas planetarios, ámbito en el que se espera un impacto revolucionario. Photonic E-MARCOT abrirá nuevas vías de investigación en este campo, desde la búsqueda de planetas similares a la Tierra hasta la caracterización detallada de interiores y atmósferas planetarias.
A diferencia de otras grandes infraestructuras, que deben distribuir su tiempo de observación entre múltiples nichos científicos, Photonic E-MARCOT priorizará grandes campañas de observación en este ámbito, dedicando una parte significativa de su tiempo a esta área. Esto permitirá un impacto sin precedentes y garantizará un avance considerable en la comprensión de la formación, evolución y habitabilidad de exoplanetas y sistemas planetarios. Aunque la investigación en exoplanetas será el motor principal de Photonic E-MARCOT, esta instalación también reservará tiempo abierto para la comunidad científica en general. Así, otros investigadores podrán abordar diversas áreas de interés, tales como estudios del Sistema Solar, investigaciones espectroscópicas de galaxias con alto corrimiento al rojo, entre otros. Con esta estrategia, Photonic E-MARCOT busca maximizar su contribución en una amplia variedad de áreas de investigación astronómica.
Consideramos Photonic E-MARCOT como una nueva infraestructura con claras sinergias con grandes instalaciones como el ELT, y como un nuevo concepto innovador para la era posterior al ELT. Ante los importantes desafíos económicos, medioambientales y de sostenibilidad que supone construir telescopios más grandes que el ELT, Photonic E-MARCOT ofrece una vía transformadora. Su diseño modular y rentable, junto con la integración de tecnología fotónica avanzada, lo posiciona como un modelo pionero. Este enfoque permite un rendimiento óptico excepcional, ofreciendo escalabilidad y versatilidad que podrían redefinir el futuro de los grandes telescopios. Por ello, Photonic E-MARCOT tiene el potencial de liderar la próxima generación de infraestructuras astronómicas, en la que la modularidad y la fotónica serán pilares centrales para construir observatorios sostenibles y de bajo coste.
Esta reunión científica tiene un doble propósito. Por un lado, sirve como reunión de lanzamiento del proyecto Photonic E-MARCOT, reuniendo a su equipo central para discutir y coordinar los primeros pasos. Por otro lado, constituye un foro abierto para la comunidad astronómica en general, invitando a participar a cualquiera interesado en explorar el potencial del proyecto. En la reunión se presentará el concepto tecnológico del telescopio, motivando a la comunidad astronómica a proponer nuevos casos científicos para desarrollar con Photonic E-MARCOT-5m y 15m, explorando el impacto de esta infraestructura de bajo coste en el panorama global de la astronomía a medio y largo plazo. Asimismo, se busca establecer vínculos colaborativos con grupos científicos y tecnológicos, tanto de instituciones públicas como privadas.
Por esta razón, el workshop incluirá presentaciones sobre desarrollos tecnológicos innovadores y proyectos científicos relevantes para Photonic E-MARCOT, además de la participación de empresas tecnológicas que expondrán sus experiencias y capacidades en instrumentación astronómica de vanguardia.

The role of groups in galaxy evolution: the importance of the pre-processing effect
2025-11-04 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
We present clear and direct evidence of the pre-processing effect of group galaxies falling into clusters in the local Universe (z ≲ 0.1). We start with a sample of 238 clusters, from which we select 153 with N200 ≥ 20. We considered 1641 groups within the turnaround radius (~ 5 × R200) of these 153 clusters.
There are 6654 individual cluster galaxies and 4133 group galaxies within this radius. We considered two control samples of galaxies, in isolated groups and in the field. The former comprises 2601 galaxies within 1606 isolated groups, and the latter has 4273 field objects. The fraction of star-forming galaxies in infalling groups has a distinct clustercentric behaviour in comparison to the remaining cluster galaxies. Even at 5 × R200 the group galaxies already show a reduced fraction of star-forming objects. At this radius, the results for the individual cluster galaxies are actually compatible with the field. That is strong evidence that the group environment is effective to quench the star formation prior to the cluster arrival. The group star-forming fraction remains roughly constant inwards, decreasing significantly only within the cluster R200 radius.
We have also found that the pre-processing effect depends on the group mass (indicated by the number of members). The effect is larger for more massive groups. However, it is significant even for pairs and triplets.
Fecha y lugar: 04/11/2025 – 12:30 | Sala de JuntasPaulo Afranio LopesObservatorio do Valongo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Mars Atmospheric Isotopes: Insights into Past and Present Fractionation
2025-11-06 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
Present-day Mars is inhospitable for life and cannot sustain liquid water on its surface. Yet, multiple lines of evidence suggest that in the past, different climatic conditions allowed liquid water to shape the surface and form minerals we observe today. Isotopic ratios in atmospheric species provide clues that changes in Mars’ climate may have been driven by atmospheric escape. Understanding the planet’s escape history, however, requires careful assessment of how heavy and light isotopes are lost to space.
Since March 2018, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has performed high-resolution solar occultation measurements, enabling, for the first time, detailed investigations of the vertical distribution of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopes in the Martian atmosphere. In this seminar, I will present key results from these studies, highlighting the atmospheric processes that impact isotope transport to the upper atmosphere and their eventual escape to space.
Fecha y lugar: 06/11/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosJuan AldayInstituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC)

XXV Spanish Virtual Observatory School
2025-11-11 - 2025-11-12 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
The Spanish Virtual Observatory (SVO), in collaboration with the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, is organizing a VO School. The school will take place at IAA premises on November 11–12, 2025.
Purpose of the School
The main goal of the school is to introduce participants to the capabilities of the Virtual Observatory for accessing and analyzing data from astronomical archives.
Participants will become familiar with key Virtual Observatory tools by working through tutorials based on real scientific cases. Expert tutors from the Spanish Virtual Observatory will provide guidance throughout the school.
The school will be conducted entirely in English.

Extreme gamma-ray pulsars (and what CTAO can say about them)
2025-11-11 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
At the dawn of the century only a handful of pulsars had been found to pulse in gamma-rays, and certainly none was supposed to emit beyond the GeV scale.
Over the past two decades, thanks to the Fermi-LAT, the situation has dramatically changed: we now know more than 300 such objects, and the number keeps increasing. Behaving as lepton factories and natural particle accelerators, the physics of gamma-ray pulsars still lacks a complete, coherent description. As was first realized in early MAGIC observations of the Crab, some of these objects elude the strong spectral cutoff imposed by their own gargantuan magnetic field and find a way to emit well beyond the tens of GeV, into (and beyond!) the TeV scale. This makes these «extreme» pulsars targets for imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes and has prompted a progressive «migration» of the emission scenarios farther away from the neutron star.
In this talk I will briefly introduce some basic concepts of pulsar physics, review current results and discuss present hot topics. Finally, I will also show how the upcoming CTAO has the potential to spark a second-revolution in gamma pulsars, its consequences stretching even beyond the usual boundary of astrophysics.
Fecha y lugar: 11/11/2025 – 12:30 | Sala de JuntasGiovanni CeribellaMax Planck for Physics (MPP)

A SITELLE overview of interacting galaxies and supernova remnants
2025-11-13 12:30 - 13:30 | IAA – CSIC, Glorieta de la Astronomía, Granada, España
The purpose of this talk, separated into three « chapters », is to present an overview of the capabilities of SITELLE, a wide-field imaging Fourier transform spectrometer built by our team and attached to the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope.
After a brief technical introduction to this instrument, I will summarize the collaborative work started a few years ago between IAA, Universidad de Granada and Université Laval on interacting galaxies (which is the main reason for my two-months sabbatical stay in Granada): Arp82, Arp 143 and, more recently, a sample of Hickson compact groups (a project led by Salvador Duarte Puertas, from UGR). The last chapter is dedicated to an ongoing work on supernova remnants, both in the Milky Way (the Crab Nebula and Cassiopeia A), and then in nearby galaxies, using data obtained as part of the SIGNALS survey.
Fecha y lugar: 13/11/2025 – 12:30 | Salón de ActosProf. Laurent DrissenUniversité Laval, Québec
