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.

Displaying 1 - 6 of 2967
Advertised on
  • Official poster of the 2nd UNDARK Workshop, “Astrophysical Probes of Dark Sectors Using Gamma-Ray Observations”, held from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
    UNDARK continues its programme of scientific activities with a new workshop bringing together researchers to discuss some of the key questions at the frontiers of cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics. The meeting provides a space for scientific exchange and discussion around the fundamental challenges involved in understanding the dark Universe, from the nature of dark matter and dark energy to their implications for our current picture of the cosmos. The opening day featured contributions from Alicia and Daniela, whose presentations introduced different perspectives and research
    Advertised on
  • Artist's impression of the erosion of hydrogenated amorphous carbon grains in the dusty torus of a young carbon-rich planetary nebula, releasing methyl radicals (CH3) into the gas phase
    An international study led by researchers from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) reports the first secure detection of the methyl radical (CH₃) in the environment of an evolved, carbon-rich star. The molecule was found with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in SMP LMC 011, a dying star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, and points to an unexpected way of building the carbon molecules that seed the Universe with organic material. The results are published in the prestigious journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters . The methyl radical, CH₃, is one of the simplest and most
    Advertised on
  • TMT logo
    We reproduce the statement issued by Robert Kirshner, Executive Director of the TMT International Observatory (TIO), regarding the decision by TIO partners not to accept the funding proposal put forward by Spain for the TMT site at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. Statement from TMT International Observatory on Spain’s Financing Proposal “Following TIO's September 18 letter to Minister Morant, we want to share more about our decision. TIO’s partners gave Spain’s financing proposal extensive and careful consideration, and ultimately were not able to accept the proposal. Therefore, TIO
    Advertised on
  • Cartel del workshop de Tecnología Médica
    El programa de Tecnología Médica de IACTEC celebra el 2 de octubre el workshop "Del cosmos a la clínica", una jornada de trabajo en la que especialistas del sistema sanitario, grupos de investigación y empresas de Canarias explorarán qué tecnologías nacidas para observar el universo pueden convertirse en herramientas de diagnóstico no invasivo. La asistencia es gratuita, con aforo limitado y previa inscripción. Las cámaras que analizan la luz de las galaxias, los detectores que registran la radiación de fondo de microondas, una débil señal procedente de los primeros momentos del universo, o
    Advertised on
  • AI_poidevin_medium
    SN 2021lwz: Understanding an Unusual Stellar Explosion Discovery and Initial Mystery On May 10, 2021, astronomers detected a supernova called SN 2021lwz at a distance of approximately 900 million light-years from Earth. What made this event remarkable was its unusual behavior: it combined characteristics of different supernova types in ways that didn't fit established classifications, prompting an in-depth investigation. Why This Supernova Matters Supernovae are among the most energetic events in the universe, marking the violent deaths of massive stars. They help astronomers understand
    Advertised on
  • False-colour satellite image of the Arabian Sea showing an extensive light-coloured oil slick next to the Caroline Bezengi tanker and near an island in Oman’s Al Hallaniyat archipelago.
    The observation, carried out with the DRAGO-2 infrared camera, demonstrates the capability of technology developed by the IAC in the Canary Islands to detect and monitor hydrocarbon spills in the ocean The ALISIO-1 satellite, the first space mission of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), has captured an oil slick associated with the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which is grounded near the Omani island of Al Qibiliya, in the Al Hallaniyat archipelago, in the Arabian Sea. The image, obtained on 22 September with the DRAGO-2 infrared camera, makes it possible to distinguish the extent of
    Advertised on