– As the research activities have expanded to a wider range of current and future observatories and research topics, the time was ripe for reaching out and connecting to colleagues in Norway and our Nordic neighbouring countries, says Sven Wedemeyer, Professor in Astrophysics at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics (ITA) and one of the initiators of the symposium.
Anyone involved or interested in science at long wavelengths was welcome to join in.
– Astronomy is a global field, and future scientific and societal challenges demand that we cooperate on an international basis and share as much as possible knowledge, data, and opportunities, replies co-organiser Claudia Cicone, Associate Professor at ITA and project leader of AtLAST, the design study of the next generation sub-millimeter/millimeter astronomical observatory in the Atacama desert in Chile.
Revival of long wavelength astronomy
After a long break since the days of radio astronomy at the former Oslo Solar Observatory in Harestua, the research at long wavelengths has picked up interest with the advent of the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).
– The Norwegian ALMA Day began modestly, evolving from workshops focused on ALMA observing proposals into a platform for scientific exchange. However, the onset of the pandemic necessitated a significant shift, moving physical gatherings to virtual interactions, explains professor Wedemeyer.
During this period of transformation, the research landscape in Oslo experienced has grown, with increased activity in astronomical research at sub-millimeter and radio wavelengths. With projects like AtLAST and Solaris on the horizon, which intend to go well beyond geographical boundaries, we need to foster unity in the pursuit of astronomical knowledge.
Unveiling the cosmic tapestry
Observing at long wavelengths provides unique insights into the workings of celestial bodies, including planetary systems, galaxies, and our own Sun.
– Advancing our understanding of the activity of our Sun and other stars and the impact on nearby planets is highly exciting. New and future observatories like ALMA, AtLAST, and Solaris offer new opportunities to learn more, says Wedemeyer.
These wavelengths give astronomers access to information that cannot be derived from observations at more typical wavelengths such as optical, ultraviolet and near-infrared.
– The sub-mm/radio regime is relatively unexplored compared to the optical/IR regime, so new discoveries are around the corner, continues Cicone, excited to explore the ecosystem of distant galaxies.
While science at radio and millimeter wavelengths is a natural starting point for astronomers at ITA, the symposium allowed to expand the discussion to all topics within astrophysics and related disciplines.
– It is very useful to visit disciplines with whom one has no direct overlap, because nature is connected in many ways and it is our curiosity that helps us discover these connections, says Stephanie Werner, Professor in Planetary Sciences at the newly founded Centre for Planetary Habitability (PHAB) at the University of Oslo.
Casting a net into international waters
The participation to the NoRMAS24 served as invaluable avenue for fostering relationships with local researchers and guest specialists who engage with radio data and venture into millimeter astronomy.
– Coming to the NoRMAS24 has been a very pleasant experience. This was my first travel to meet the Norwegian community: I am so pleased to have met such dynamic and enthusiastic people, comments Dr. Sebastien Muller from Onsala Space Observatory in Sweden.
Muller works at the Nordic ALMA Regional Center node and joined the symposium to give an introduction to millimeter/submillimeter interferometry and ALMA, with a focus on helping astronomers to apply for observing time. This time, the former "ALMA proposal preparation day" turned into an excellent opportunity for a more general scientific discussion on current and future projects in which scientists at ITA are eager to be involved in the future.
– It was a pleasure to participate in NoRMAS24 and share with the Norwegian community my projects, ideas and maybe dreams about solar imaging and the monitoring of our star at high radio frequencies, says pleased Dr. Alberto Pellizzoni from INAF in Italy.
Pellizzoni presented the projects Solaris and SunDish, a unique international network for monitoring the Sun 24/7, 365 days.
Learning from each other
The sparse distribution of astrophysics research hubs in Norway presented a notable hurdle, hindering the fluid exchange of ideas between established and emerging research groups.
NoRMAS24 emerged as a beacon of progress, providing a unified platform for the astrophysical community across the Nordic region to forge connections and nurture collaborative efforts.
– It is always good to talk to people outside one’s area of expertise, because one never knows when one might learn something new that might be useful, affirms Dr. Jane Luu, adjunct professor at ITA and the neighbouring Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo.
– Such cooperation would also enable our PhD students and early career scientists to expand their technical and scientific expertise and would also give them more international visibility, Cicone adds.
Indeed, this symposium was a priceless debut for some PhD students and Postdoctoral fellows who delve into radio astronomy.
– Attending this meeting not only deepened my understanding of the AtLAST project, but also facilitated meaningful discussions on ALMA proposal writing and offered avenues for further assistance, says Rubinur Khatun, Postdoctoral fellow in Extragalactic Astronomy at ITA, enthusiastically.
– Participating in the organisation of this meeting was a delightful experience for me; it gave me the chance to advocate for my research area, which is still growing in Norway, and to expand my professional network within the Nordic community, concludes Maryam Saberi, researcher at RoCS and co-organiser of NoRMAS24.
The Nordic Radio and Millimeter Astronomy Network is primed to foster collaboration and scientific inquiry. Preparations for NoRMAS25 are already in progress, beckoning scientists to reconvene in their quest to understand the mysteries of our Universe.