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
  • Deep optical image of the giant galaxy Malin 2
    Press release
    IAC research reveals hidden structures and a turbulent past in one of the largest spiral galaxies in the Universe
    Astronomers at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), using the 2-meter robotic Two-meter Twin Telescope (TTT) at the Teide Observatory, have obtained the deepest optical images ever taken of Malin 2, one of the largest and faintest spiral galaxies in the Universe. These ultra-deep observations have revealed previously unseen structures, including several diffuse stellar emissions and a striking, elongated spiral-like feature, hinting at past interactions with other galaxies. The team has also identified a potential ultra-diffuse dwarf galaxy (UDG) about 400,000 light-years from
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  • metrica_Halpha
    Research news
    A Hα metric for identifying dormant black holes in X-ray transients
    Dormant black holes in X-ray transients can be identified by the presence of broad Hα emission lines from quiescent accretion discs. Unfortunately, short-period cataclysmic variables can also produce broad Hα lines, especially when viewed at high inclinations, and are thus a major source of contamination. Here we compare the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and equivalent width (EW) of the Hα line in a sample of 20 quiescent black hole transients and 354 cataclysmic variables (305 from SDSS I to IV) with secure orbital periods (Porb) and find that: (1) FWHM and EW values decrease with Porb
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  • Laser launched from the Teide Observatory.
    Press release
    IAC technology is the key to the Spanish project which will ensure the secrecy of quantum communications by satellite
    The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias is designing and developing, as ordered by the Spanish company Thales Alenia Space , the adaptive optics which will be a parto f the ground station for the GARBO project, the first Spanish geostationary system for distributing quantum keys by satellite. This is a decisive step in the field of secure quantum communication on a large scale, and will strengthn the position of Spain, and of Europe at the Forefront of this technology. Within the framework of the project the IAC will lead the development of the adaptive optics systems, and will participate
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  • TTT telescopes at the Teide Observatory
    Photomontage
    The Teide Observatory hosts the presentation of the TTT telescopes
    The Teide Observatory of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) today hosted the official presentation of the Two-meter Twin Telescope (TTT), a private astronomical infrastructure that has been operating since December 2022 and consolidates the Canary Islands' role as a strategic international hub for astrophysical research. During the event, the President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, emphasized that the TTT project represents "a new stage in which the Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF), combined with science, promotes a knowledge-based economy that
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  • Le Good Cosmic Market que se celebra dentro de la programación de Plenilunio Santa crio 2025
    Press release
    El IAC acercará el Cosmos a Le Good Market con actividades de divulgación en el Parque García Sanabria con motivo de Plenilunio
    El Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) colabora con Le Good ‘Cosmic’ Market dentro del entorno de la celebración de Plenilunio acercando con una amplia agenda de actividades divulgativas que tendrán lugar en el Parque García Sanabria, de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, los días 4 y 5 de octubre. En ocasión de la elección de la temática ‘ cosmic’ de esta cita en la capital tinerfeña, la Unidad de Comunicación y Cultura Científica (UC3) del IAC ha asesorado a la organización del market para que toda su imagen y materiales tengan respaldo científico avalado. Además, el centro ofrece un programa
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  • Participants at the first UNDARK Workshop held at the IAC headquarters in La Laguna
    Photomontage
    The IAC hosts the first UNDARK Workshop to unveil the secrets of the dark universe
    The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) is currently hosting the first Workshop of the European project UNDARK, a pioneering initiative that brings together international experts in astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics to explore the great enigmas of the dark universe. The meeting, held at the IAC headquarters from September 29 to October 3, places special emphasis on radio wave observations and their connections with gravitational wave detection. Throughout the week, leading researchers are discussing the latest advances, ongoing projects, and future observational and
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