Activities

During the 2nd Meeting we will have two main courses, two mini courses, technical seminars and public talks from our invited lecturers.

Courses

Course 1

August 19-22, 2014

Introduction to Gravitational Lensing

Prof. Konrad Kuijken

Since the discovery of the first lensed quasar in 1979, gravitational lensing has grown from a theoretical curiosity to one of the main tools of cosmology.

This course will cover the main aspects of the subject. It will start with the basic mathematical description, and then treat the three main manifestations of gravitational lensing: strong lensing, microlensing and weak lensing.

Course page: Course Syllabus - Academic Material - Videos

Course 2

August 25-29, 2014

Introduction to Interferometry

Prof. Bernhard Brandl

In astronomical interferometry, it is possible to achieve high-resolution observations mixing signals from a cluster of comparatively small telescopes rather than a single very expensive monolithic telescope. These lecures will cover the elementary concepts of imaging in interferometry, both in radio the optical. Some of the topics covered will be how to extract the information from astronomical interferometry data and interpreting the results, as well as the different types of interfereometers currently available and the science that they make possible.

Course page: Course Syllabus - Academic Material - Videos

Public Lectures

To be confirmed

Parque Explora / Medellin Planetarium

Studying the Dark Universe with Light Rays

Prof. Konrad Kuijken

Summary

Only a few percent of the matter and energy in the universe is in a form that we understand from particle physics. The rest consists of mysterious "dark matter", without which galaxies would not exist, and "dark energy", which causes the universe to expand faster and faster. This lecture will discuss the evidence for this 'dark side' of the universe, and highlight the role played by gravitational lenses.

To be confirmed

Parque Explora / Medellin Planetarium

Astrometry from Space

Prof. Rudolf LePoole

Summary

The subject of astrometry: 'measuring positions of stars in the sky' may seem rather dull, and in fact it is (was) so difficult that by far the most effort went into the technique, and still with only variable success. Only recent advances in opto-mechanics and thermal design, and very careful and thorough investigations into error sources have made it possible to make quantum leaps it the precision with which the apparent positions of stars today can be compared to those of some time ago. The presentation addresses both the key steps that had to be taken to make this a success, and also the entirely new avenues in astronomy that can now be pursued. Also the entirely overwhelming new steps forward enabled by the achievements of Gaia when successful will be presented.

Technical Seminars

Monday August 16th, 14:00

(To be confirmed)

Ricardo Restrepo, Ph.D.

Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

To be confirmed.

Poster Session

Participants are invited to present their scientific work as Posters that will be exhibited during the whole two weeks close to the rooms where the courses will be held.

Presentation and discussion about posters could be developed in the time before and after the course sessions in the morning and afternoon.