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.

List view
  • GalIMF
    Research news
    GalIMF–E-MILES library: Impact of an environment-dependent initial mass function on stellar population spectra
    We present, for the first time, model spectra of single-age, single-metallicity stellar populations computed with the E-MILES evolutionary synthesis code incorporating an environment-dependent, variable galaxy-wide initial mass function (gwIMF). This gwIMF, calculated using the GalIMF code, is rooted in the integrated galactic initial mass function (IGIMF) theory, which predicts IMF variations as a function of the star formation rate and the metallicity. By coupling these two codes, we generated a comprehensive library of single-burst stellar population spectra uniquely sensitive to gwIMF
    Advertised on
  • Das Team von SPACE-Lab (Satellite Payloads for Astrophysics, Communications and Earth Observation) und LAOS (Laboratory of Advanced Optical Systems) präsentiert seine Projekte auf der Messe Space Tech Expo Europe.
    Press release
    The IAC presents the advances made by IACTEC-Space and other CELESTE laboratories at Space Tech Expo Europe
    The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), through IACTEC-Space, is participating this week in Space Tech Expo Europe, the largest space industry trade fair on the continent, held in Bremen from November 18 to 20. The team is located in the Spain Space pavilion, alongside the Canary Islands Aerospace Strategy (EAC), to showcase the technological developments of the CELESTE laboratories and strengthen international collaborations in the space sector. The I nstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) is participating once again in Space Tech Expo Europe, the leading event for the space
    Advertised on
  • Participants in the sessions of the Conceptual Design Review of the EST scientific instrument suite (SIS), held at the IACTEC and IAC facilities.
    Photomontage
    The European Solar Telescope (EST) has successfully completed the conceptual design review of its suite of scientific instruments
    The European Solar Telescope (EST) has successfully completed the Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) of its Scientific Instrument Suite (SIS). The scientific objectives of EST focus on examining magnetic coupling in the solar atmosphere from the deepest layers of the photosphere to the highest layers of the chromosphere. This will enable the thermal, dynamic and magnetic properties of solar plasma to be studied with high spatial and temporal resolution. These objectives are defined by the Science Advisory Group (SAG), an international group of experts responsible for establishing the scientific
    Advertised on
  • Poster Winter School 2025
    Press release
    From Photonics to Machine Learning: The XXXVI Winter School focuses on key optical technologies for astrophysics
    The Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC) is organizing the XXXVI Canary Islands Winter School of Astrophysics , which will be held in San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Tenerife) from November 17 to 22, 2025. Under the title "Key Optical technologies for Astronomy", the school will focus on cutting-edge optical and algorithmic technologies that will define the future of Astrophysics. This edition, led by Professors Jeff Kuhn (University of Hawaii and IAC) and Rafael Rebolo (IAC), will involve approximately 35 advanced Master's students, doctoral candidates, and early-career postdoctoral
    Advertised on
  • euclid_ucd
    Research news
    Euclid Quick Data Release (Q1) — Spectroscopic Search, Classification, and Analysis of Ultracool Dwarfs in the Deep Fields
    The Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP) on board the Euclid space mission has obtained near-infrared (NIR) spectra of millions of objects, including hundreds of ultracool dwarfs (UCDs). Euclid observations retrieve images and slitless spectra simultaneously. This observing mode marks a new era in the discovery of new objects, such as L- and T-type dwarfs, which can be found from direct identification through the H2O and CH4 absorption bands. NISP spectral resolution (R ∼ 450) is enough to classify the objects by the spectral type using known standard templates. Q1 provided more
    Advertised on
  • MONOS
    Research news
    MONOS: Multiplicity Of Northern O-type Spectroscopic systems: III. New orbits and Gaia–TESS analysis for ten SB2E systems
    The most massive stars in the universe are often born and evolve in binary and multiple systems — that is, in pairs or groups bound by their mutual gravity. Understanding how they interact with each other is key to explaining everything from their formation to the impact they have on the galaxies they inhabit. The MONOS project (Multiplicity Of Northern O-type Spectroscopic systems) aims to study these systems in the northern sky, combining spectroscopic observations (which analyze light split into its component colors to measure stellar velocities and physical properties) with photometry
    Advertised on