CAAUL Seminar - LOFAR, Opening up a New Window on the Universe - 31 março 2014

Huub Rottgering

Leiden Observatory, Scientific Director

Abstract / Resumo

LOFAR, the Low Frequency Array, is a next-generation pan-European  radio telescope that has started operations. It will operate at frequencies from 15 to 240 MHz (corresponding to wavelengths of 20 to 1.2 m). Its superb sensitivity, high angular resolution, large field of view and flexible spectroscopic capabilities will represent a dramatic improvement over previous facilities at these wavelengths. As such, LOFAR will carry out a broad range of fundamental astrophysical studies. The design of LOFAR has been driven by four fundamental astrophysical applications: (i) The Epoch of Reionisation, (ii) Extragalactic Surveys and their exploitation to study the formation and evolution of clusters, galaxies and black holes, (iii) Transient Sources and their association with high energy ob jects such as gamma ray bursts, and (iv) Cosmic Ray showers and their exploitation to study the origin of ultra-high energy cosmic rays. During this contribution we will first present the LOFAR project with an emphasis on the challenges faced when carrying out sensitive imaging at low radio frequencies. Subsequently, we will discuss LOFAR capabilities to survey the low-frequency radio sky. Main aims for the planned surveys are studies of z>6 radio galaxies, diffuse emission associated with distant clusters and starbursting galaxies at z>2. While these aims are presented recent observational results on these science areas will be discussed.

31 de março de 2014 | 15:30

Local

OAL - Observatório Astronómico de Lisboa

Seminar room at 15:30 with coffee, tea and biscuits from 15:15