ASTROSPACE

Development of Space Astrophysics in Crete

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Space Astrophysics is a research domain which has benefited greatly from the recent advances in technology and has contributed to the most fundamental discoveries in various areas of Astrophysics over the past 20 years. The nature of operation of space observatories (all experiments are designed remotely and data is archived in servers accessed via the web) make it possible for researchers in regions in the outskirts of Europe with no access to other major research facilities to perform high quality science. Over the past three years the Astrophysics Group in the island of Crete (Greece) has invested a considerable fraction of its human resources in Space Astrophysics by hiring three new tenure track faculty with expertize in X-ray and Infrared Space Astrophysics. We propose to use the opportunities provided by the Capacities Program to further develop the research potential of our group. Our project will be based on twinnings with top Space Research Institutes in Europe (CEA/Saclay, France and MPE/Garching, Germany), on hires of experienced researchers, on upgrading our telescope equipment, and on workshop/conference organization. Our goal is to train our local personnel and improve the visibility of the group so that at the end of the proposed program the group will be at a level which will enable it to collaborate with major european research centers on forefront research projects.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Greece's island of Crete is home to the Crete Astrophysics Group, which has in recent years devoted much of its human resources capacity to space astrophysics. The ASTROSPACE project, funded by the Research Potential grant system of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme, was set up to further develop the group's research potential.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Established to further train local personnel and increase the group's visibility, the 'Development of space astrophysics in Crete' (ASTROSPACE) project also aimed to build partnerships with leading European research institutes, and hire researchers to boost research output. Another major project objective centred on developing the Skinakas Observatory through the installation of new instruments, and making it accessible to the international astronomical community.

The Crete Astrophysics Group focuses on observational studies of galactic and extragalactic sources in the infrared (IR), optical and X-ray wavelengths. Researchers are also developing theoretical models that provide more detailed understanding of the physical processes taking place in the studied objects that include active galactic nuclei, accreting compact stellar objects and the warm-hot intergalactic medium.

The three-year programme saw the hire of more researchers, the organisation of two international workshops and two international conferences. Each workshop and conference was related to the research interests of the group, and IR and X-ray astrophysics in particular. Extended exchange visits between members of the group and the five partnering institutes were realised, as were extended visits of experts in telescope optical design. Additionally, personnel were hired for the design and development of new instruments at Skinakas Observatory, and the development of a new group http://astro.physics.uoc.gr/ (website).

Overall, ASTROSPACE succeeded in improving the group's research output and boosting its research potential, as evidenced by the 65 refereed publications and 23 conference presentations from the start of the project. These developments, together with the transfer of knowledge to members of the group, and strong links with leading research institutes, bode well for the facility's future. The group will be able to draw additional funding from national and European sources and attract highly qualified researchers for future short-term or permanent positions.