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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  • LPQI-Pathfinder
    Press release
    The IAC is pioneering a new way of observing the universe by linking telescopes at Roque de los Muchachos with quantum technology
    A meeting brought together scientists, technologists and institutional representatives to present the latest developments in the La Palma Quantum Interferometer (LPQI) project, outline its next steps and analyse the potential of quantum technologies to drive science, innovation and sustainable development on La Palma. As part of the La Palma Quantum Interferometer (LPQI) project, scientists, technologists and institutional representatives met from 8 to 10 September at IACTEC in La Laguna (Tenerife) to hold the LPQI Workshop 2026, an event at which the latest advances were presented and the
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  • Artist's impression of the erosion of hydrogenated amorphous carbon grains in the dusty torus of a young carbon-rich planetary nebula, releasing methyl radicals (CH3) into the gas phase
    Press release
    JWST detects the elusive methyl radical for the first time around a dying star
    An international study led by researchers from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) reports the first secure detection of the methyl radical (CH₃) in the environment of an evolved, carbon-rich star. The molecule was found with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in SMP LMC 011, a dying star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, and points to an unexpected way of building the carbon molecules that seed the Universe with organic material. The results are published in the prestigious journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters . The methyl radical, CH₃, is one of the simplest and most
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  • AI_poidevin_medium
    Research news
    SN 2021lwz: Another exotic, luminous, and fast-evolving optical stripped-envelope supernova?
    SN 2021lwz: Understanding an Unusual Stellar Explosion Discovery and Initial Mystery On May 10, 2021, astronomers detected a supernova called SN 2021lwz at a distance of approximately 900 million light-years from Earth. What made this event remarkable was its unusual behavior: it combined characteristics of different supernova types in ways that didn't fit established classifications, prompting an in-depth investigation. Why This Supernova Matters Supernovae are among the most energetic events in the universe, marking the violent deaths of massive stars. They help astronomers understand
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  • Artist’s impression of an exoplanet in a retrograde orbit
    Press release
    A “rebellious” exoplanet orbits in the opposite direction of its star
    Thanks to the NIRPS infrared spectrograph, built with the involvement of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias , an international team led by the University of Geneva has been able to identify the unique orbit of the exoplanet GJ 3090 b. An international team, led by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and including researchers from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), has determined the orbital configuration of the exoplanet GJ 3090 b using the NIRPS spectrograph, built with the participation of the IAC and installed on the 3.6-metre telescope at the La Silla Observatory (ESO
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  • IAC Logo
    Press release
    The IAC remains fully committed to the development of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory following the TMT decision
    On 18 September 2026, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) received a communication from the Executive Director of the TMT International Observatory (TIO) stating that its partners had been unable to reach the consensus required to accept the financial offer presented by the Ministry on 29 July to begin construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM) on the island of La Palma. The proposal envisaged financing of up to €1 billion: a contribution from the Centre for the
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  • Momento del lanzamiento de Sunrise III
    Press release
    El IAC y la ULL participan en Sunrise III, una misión internacional que abre un nuevo horizonte para el estudio del Sol
    El Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) y la Universidad de La Laguna ULL) y participan en la misión internacional Sunrise III, un observatorio solar estratosférico transportado por globo que permite estudiar la parte inferior de la atmósfera solar, desde la superficie del Sol hasta la cromosfera media, con una resolución espacial cercana a los 50 kilómetros sobre la superficie solar. En julio de 2024, Sunrise III completó con éxito un vuelo de casi una semana de duración, recorriendo la distancia que separa el norte de Suecia y el noroeste de Canadá, durante el cual recopiló alrededor
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