Insight into the inner workings of lightning
A bright flash, a loud bang, and a deep rumble: lightning is a fascinating meteorological phenomenon, and perhaps a little scary. Though it has been around forever, research on the inner workings of lightning has been limited thus far. However, Brian Hare and his colleagues from the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute (part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen) are shaking up the lightning research landscape. How? By using ASTRON’s large radio telescope LOFAR.
Largest Ever Radio Sky Survey Maps the Universe in Unprecedented Detail
An international collaboration using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) has unveiled an exceptionally detailed radio sky map, revealing 13.7 million cosmic sources and delivering the most complete census yet of actively growing supermassive black holes. It showcases an extraordinary variety of systems powered by these black holes, whose radio emission can extend for millions of light-years. The newly released LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS-DR3) marks a major milestone in radio astronomy and international scientific collaboration. The result is published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.
European observatories and administrations in dialogue on satellite interference
On Friday 23 January, representatives from radio astronomy observatories and administrations of Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden, together with members of the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF) and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), met at the Paris Observatory to exchange views on the challenges posed by unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
The detection of radio bursts from stellar and exoplanetary systems
Building on the expertise of researchers at Paris Observatory – PSL and ASTRON, an international team has developed a novel analysis method capable of uncovering previously undetectable stellar and exoplanetary signals hidden within archival radio-astronomical data.
Happy spring & Persian New Year!
© Aida Ahmadi & Atefeh Karimi
A central Nowruz tradition is the “Haft-Seen” table, which translates to “Seven Ss”. It includes seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter S, representing themes such as health, love, and prosperity. In addition to these, many families include other meaningful items, such as candles for light and happiness, a mirror for reflection and self-awareness, painted eggs for fertility, a goldfish for life and movement, a book of poetry for knowledge and spirituality, and an orange floating in water symbolizing the Earth suspended in space.
In the weeks leading up to Nowruz, families prepare by cleaning their homes, symbolizing a fresh start. At the moment of the spring equinox, whether it falls during the day or at night, families gather around the Haft-Seen table to welcome the new year together. The celebrations continue for 13 days, during which people visit family and friends, share meals, and sometimes exchange small gifts. For many, Nowruz is both a cultural and seasonal celebration that highlights the importance of nature, reflection, and renewal.
A mini Haft-Seen table has been set up in front of the auditorium at ASTRON, where you can learn more about the meaning of the items and enjoy Persian sweets. The table will be on display for one week. This is part of a new initiative supported by the Equity & Inclusion Committee called “Culture Corner”, where everyone is welcome to share their culture with colleagues at ASTRON. For more information, contact eic@astron.nl.
8th LOFAR Data School
Wed 16 Sep 2026 - Wed 23 Sep 2026
We are pleased to announce that the 8th LOFAR Data School (LDS2026) will be held from Wednesday, September 16th to Wednesday, September 23rd 2026 at ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, in Dwingeloo, the Netherlands. The registration is now open at: https://acme-lds2026.sciencesconf.org/ and it will close on April 20th, 2026. Rationale The goal of the school is […]