Context. Inversion codes are numerical tools used to infer physical properties from observations. Despite their success, the quality of current spectropolarimetric observations and those expected in the near future presents a challenge to current inversion codes. Aims: The pixel-by-pixel strategy of inverting spectropolarimetric data that we

HARMONI is the visible and near infrared integral field spectrograph (IFS) selected as a first-light instrument for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). With four spatial scales and a range of spectral resolving powers, astronomers will optimally configure the instrument to overtake a wide range of scientific programs and to address many

We present deep, high-resolution (R˜40000) UVES at VLT spectrophotometric data of the planetary nebula NGC 3918. This is one of the deepest spectra ever taken of a planetary nebula. We have identified and measured more than 700 emission lines and, in particular, we have detected very faint lines of several neutron-capture elements (s-process

Context. Icy dwarf planets are key for studying the chemical and physical states of ices in the outer solar system. The study of secular and rotational variations gives us hints of the processes that contribute to the evolution of their surface. Aims: The aim of this work is to search for rotational variability on the surface composition of the

EMIR is one of the first common user instruments for the GTC, the 10 meter telescope operating at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain). EMIR is being built by a Consortium of Spanish and French institutes led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). EMIR is primarily designed to be operated as a MOS in

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has created the Office of for Astronomy Outreach (IAU-OAO). Its mission is to promote and coordinate the activities of astronomy outreach worldwide. For this purpose, the IAU-OAO has established a network of partners based on what was established to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009)