News

This section includes scientific and technological news from the IAC and its Observatories, as well as press releases on scientific and technological results, astronomical events, educational projects, outreach activities and institutional events.

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  • Simulation of asteroid 2012 DA14 according to the dimensions determined in the study during its approximation to the Earth on 15 February 2013. Credits: Multimedia Service (IAC)
    Press release
    Determining the nature of the closest ever Near Earth Object
    On 15 February the asteroid 2012 DA14 came within 27,700 kilometres of the Earth, making it our closest ever encounter of a Near Earth Object (NEO). The study, carried out by planetary scientists, has determined the shape, size and primordial chemical composition of the asteroid. These results will help develop strategies against potentially dangerous asteroids in terms of diverting or destroying them, or mitigating the effects of their impact. Asteroide 2012 DA14 simulation: Preview and spanish description DOWNLOAD VIDEO: mov, 1920x1080p, h264, 403 MB, 36 seconds. This animtion shows
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  • Protostar IRAS 20324+4057. The matter ejected from the protostellar envelope is revealed in the image in the shape of a blue comet or caterpillar. The protostar itself and the dense envelope of dust and gas that surrounds it - the so-called cocoon - are e
    Press release
    A nascent star illuminated by its "neighbours"PHOTONEWS
    The above image has been chosen as 'image of the month' by the Hubble Heritage Project and 'image of the week' by the European Space Agency (ESA). It shows the protostar IRAS20324+4057, a very young star 4500 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus (The Swan). IRAS 20324+4057 Video High Resolution Image Scientific research Other links of interest: Isaac Newton Telescope IPHAS Public Survey The Hubble Heritage Project Website For further information: Spanish press release
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  • Press release
    Real-time transmission of aurorae borealis from GreenlandRELEASE
    From 24 to 29 August the European project GLORIA (GLOal Robotic telescopes Intelligent Array), in collaboration with the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias will provide direct aurora borealis transmissions. D aily connections from 24 to 29 August from UT 00:30 to 01:30 (1:30-2:30 local Canarian time. Further information: Auroras boreales en directo desde Groenlandia, con GLORIA
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  • Press release
    Perseids 2013
    Popularly known as the `tears of St Lawrence’, the Perseid meteor shower can be seen at its máximum intensity on the night of 12 and 13 August, when its radiant – located in the north-eastern part of the sky in the constellation Perseus – rises above the horizon at 23:30 hours (in the Canary Islands). The crescent moon will set as the meteors become visible, so its glare will not mar the spectacle. Contact at the IAC: Dr Miquel Serra (teléfono: 922 605 200) Further information: Spanish press release International Meteor Organization
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  • Francisco Sánchez (IAC Director), Carmen Vela Olmo (Secretary of State for Research) Rafael Rebolo López (the new IAC Director) and Paulino Rivero Baute (President of the Local Government of the Canary Islands).
    Press release
    Rafael Rebolo the new Director of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
    He takes over from Francisco Sánchez, Founding Director of the public research body Until to his naming as Director, Rebolo led several research groups at the Institute At its last meeting, the Governing Board of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) named Rafael Rebolo as the new Director of the pubic research body to succeed Francisco Sánchez. Attending the Board meeting, chaired by Paulino Rivero (President of the Local Government of the Canary Islands),  were Carmen Vela (Secretary of State for Research, Development and Innovation) and Juan María Vázquez Rojas (Director General
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