AG2024 Splinter Meeting: The Physics behind the Multimessenger Emissions of Active Galactic Nuclei
Together with our colleagues of FOR5195 - Relativistic Jets in Active Galaxies we are organizing a splinter meeting at the Annual Meeting of the German Astronomical Society.
This year, the annual meeting will be hosted at the University of Cologne from September 09-13, 2024.
Our joint splinter meeting comprises all aspects of multi-messenger AGN research to understand the processes which produce electromagnetic radiation, neutrinos and cosmic rays. With this approach, we will foster discussions on the physical properties, interaction mechanisms and evolution of AGN as well as how AGN influence and shape their environment.
For more information, please have a look at our meeting's page!
Japanese-German Workshop on Low-Temperature Plasma Application
A workshop with guests from Japanese universities/ research institutions and members of the chair of Experimental Physics V was held on 25th and 26th of July. Initiated by Prof. Aramaki from Nihon University, the workshop brought together long time collegues who stayed as collaborators at EP V during the last 20 years. All of them conduct research in the field of low temperature plasmas. This covers a broad range from the application for agriculture or semiconductor fabrication as well as developing new kinds of diagnostics like vortex laser spectroscopy. With these topics a perfect overlap with the research of the CRC is given so that the workshop consists not only of one day of presentations but also one day of laboratory visits allowing for the guests to get an overview of the current local plasma research.
Understanding the theory of particles in plasmas
On Monday, January 22nd, scientists meet at RUB for the yearly meeting "Plasma and Particle Theory Day" to discuss the theory of particles in plasmas. Understanding the collective behavior of ionized particles is in the focus of research. A particular challenge is to understand how physical collisions of particles and the interactions between ions and electromagnetic fields are included in the various equations to describe the systems. In astrophysics, often these equations are dominated by the interaction of particles with electromagnetic waves. This is the research focus of the Collaborative Research Center SFB1491, "Cosmic Interacting Matters - From Source to Signal", centered at RUB. The research department of Plasmas with Complex Interactions also hosts SFB1316, "Transient Atmospheric Plasmas: From Plasmas to Liquids to Solids". Here, non equilibrium processes in atmopsheric plasmas for species conversion are the topic of research. Compared to astrophysical plasmas, these atmopsheric plasmas are very dense and physical collisions dominate the equations. It is the goal of the Plasma and Particle Theory day to move toward exploring the region in which both terms play a significant role. This is for instance the case in molecular clouds in the Milky way, in which the degree of ionization is as low as ~30% and naturally, collisions become important in the description. Another example is the physics of lightning that can be tested in the plasma lab and for which a briding theory is needed to understand the physics of atmospheric lightning. Once the particle interactions become inelastic, i.e at high energies or at extreme densities like they exist in neutron stars, the classical description needs to be replaced by the quantum mechanical one. Scientists therefore discuss the different methods, how synergies can be build and what the next steps are to build a consistent framework to combine classical and quantum-mechanical interactions.
Figure: Lukas Merten, TP4, RUB
Radio2023 Conference: Advancements and Challenges in German Radio Astronomy
The "Radio2023" conference recently convened at Ruhr University Bochum, offering insights into the progress and challenges within German radio astronomy. One hundred astronomers attended the event which facilitated collaborative discussions focusing on exciting new scientific results as well as innovative strategies for managing complex data sets from telescopes like LOFAR, MeerKAT, SKAO, DSA2000, and ngVLA.
Highlighting the importance of existing telescopes, including LOFAR and MeerKAT, as foundation to future instruments, the conference emphasized the need for novel approaches for data processing and storage.
The conference served as a crucial platform for operators of national data centers to discuss technical requirements and assess the feasibility of upcoming projects.
In summary, "Radio2023" provided a forum for fruitfully discussing current achievements, future opportunities, and challenges within German radio astronomy, ensuring a collaborative and informed approach to advancing the field.
Plasma Summer School in 2023
This year, the 26th International Plasma School on "Low Temperature Plasma Physics: Fundamentals and Applications" (September 30-October 5, 2023) and the Master Class "Advanced diagnostics of Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas" (October 5-7, 2023) were held in Bad Honnef, Germany, s.
The school will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of plasma physics and give an overview of the different research areas ranging from modeling of fluids to plasma spectroscopy or high pressure plasmas. An intensive exchange with the lecturers and other students from the research area is possible and desired.
This year, the school continues a long tradition that in the past has included 24 in-person editions and one online edition. After the School was overbooked last year, we now especially hope to welcome all participants we could not accommodate to Bad Honnef this year. We are pleased to be able to host the school again at the Physics Center in Bad Honnef, Germany.
