Astronomical Institute
Humans as a Cosmic Phenomenon from a Multidisciplinary Perspective
Človek ako kozmický fenomén z multidisciplinárnej perspektívy
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Hajduková Mária PhD. |
| Annotation: | Through space exploration, humanity penetrates beyond the boundaries of its planet, appropriating and transforming the cosmic space, both near and far. Homo sapiens is becoming an interplanetary species. This aspect of humanity requires a new philosophical view on human nature, incorporating insights from astrophysics and astrobiology. The expansion of life's habitat beyond Earth reopens philosophical, ethical, and legal dilemmas. The aim of the project is to examine how the space environment transforms humans and vice versa, as well as to evaluate the positive and negative impacts of space research on the future of humanity. Within the scope of terrestrial activities, the transforming activity of humans is considered so significant that this period is currently referred to as the anthropocene era. In connection with humanity's more expansive activities in space, one can analogously speak of the onset of the 'cosmoanthropocene' era and the understanding of humans as a cosmic phenomenon. |
Physics of the solar atmosphere: spectroscopy, spectro-polarimetry, and numerical modelling of various phenomena occurring in the atmosphere of the Sun.
Fyzika slnečnej atmosféry: spektroskopia, spektro-polarimetria a numerické modelovanie javov v atmosfére Slnka.
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Gömöry Peter PhD. |
| Annotation: | The atmosphere of the Sun is a unique laboratory for the research of physical processes that control the interaction between the plasma and magnetic field, which cannot be simulated in terrestrial conditions. The study of individual structures in the solar atmosphere also helps to better understand fundamental physical problems. Therefore, the goal of this project is to obtain fundamentally new knowledge about these features. For this purpose, high-precision imaging, spectroscopic and spectro-polarimetric observations obtained with high spatial and temporal resolution, will be used. Such data are necessary for the description of the continuously reorganizing and reconfiguring solar magnetic fields. In addition, experimental findings will be compared with results obtained from numerical modelling and simulations. This approach is currently necessary not only for the research of impulsive energy release in active regions but also for the study of quiet regions of the solar atmosphere. |
Cataclysmic variables and symbiotic stars as probes of the accretion process, explosions and binary evolution
Kataklizmatické premenné a symbiotické hviezdy ako sondy procesu akrécie, výbuchov a vývoja dvojhviezd
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Skopal Augustín DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Symbiotic stars and cataclysmic variables are interacting binary systems, whose orbital periods are extremely different, but have the same type of accretor - a white dwarf (WD). In the former case, the WD accretes from the wind of an evolved giant on orbits with a typical period of a few years, while in the latter case, the WD accretes via Roche-lobe overflow from an evolved dwarf on a short-period orbit of a few hours. As a result, accreting WDs experience unexpected outbursts of various types, the most common being classical nova, dwarf nova, and Z And-type outbursts. The goal of this project is to research these outbursts and their connections. From the point of view of the binary stars evolution, it is important to know whether these different types of outbursts can be produced by a WD regardless of whether it is accreting from an evolved dwarf or an evolved giant. The goals of the project will be achieved by the method of multi-frequency modeling of the spectral energy distribution during outbursts. |
Flow instability in chromospheric jets
Nestabilita tokov plazmy v chromosférických výtryskoch.
| Duration: |
1.9.2024 - 31.8.2026 |
| Program: |
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| Project leader: |
Vashalomidze Zurab PhD. |
| Annotation: | Studying the dynamics and evolution of short-lived and high-speed chromospheric jets, commonly referred to as type II spicules, is an important and challenging research goal. Our statement, that chromospheric jets are dynamic plasma structures in the solar chromosphere and they play a significant role in energy transport, mass transfer, and heating processes in the solar atmosphere effectively conveys the importance of studying type II spicules, their relevance to energy transport and heating, their contribution to understanding solar plasma, and the challenges involved in comprehending their intricate behavior. By mentioning the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability is indicated our understanding of the theoretical framework that may explain some of their dynamics.
Hydrodynamic flows in the solar atmosphere can indeed be unstable, leading to various instabilities that play a crucial role in the behavior and dynamics of solar plasma. These instabilities are responsible for processes such as energy dissipation, heating, and particle acceleration, which have significant implications for the Sun-Earth connection and space weather. |
Unveiling the Nature of Special Stellar Systems and Exoplanets
Odhalenie povahy špeciálnych hviezdnych sústav a exoplanét
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 30.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Pribulla Theodor CSc. |
| Annotation: | The advent of high-precision satellite photometry and coordinated ground-based data combined with advanced modeling tools caused a revolution in our understanding of stellar systems, variable stars, and extrasolar planets. Building on the long-term efforts and experience in instrumentation techniques, data modeling, and interpretation we aim to advance our understanding of special and enigmatic stellar systems including cataclysmic variables, tight multiple stars, and unusual exoplanet systems. We also plan to harness machine-learning tools to cope with the big data provided by numerous astronomical satellites and ground-based observatories. Follow-up observations from local facilities of the Astronomical Institute, UPJŠ, and Vihorlat Observatory will complement these data. |
Investigation of the relationships between small bodies as the key to understanding the formation and evolution of the Solar System
Výskum vzájomných vzťahov medzi malými telesami ako kľúč k pochopeniu formovania a evolúcie Slnečnej sústavy
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Ivanova Oleksandra PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is dedicated to the deep study of active small bodies in the Solar system near Earth and deep space using quasi-simultaneous spectral-photopolarimetric observations and numerical modeling. The project aims to obtained data on non-stationary processes in active small bodies and the mechanisms of their activity, macro- and microphysical properties of dust in their atmospheres and surfaces of inactive small bodies, as well as the interrelations between the physical properties of dust in objects of various dynamic groups. As a result, the project focuses on advancing one of the key areas in planetary astronomy—the origin and evolution of the Solar system, where active objects and ejected primary material play a crucial role. To implement the project, comprehensive observations of small bodies from Earth will be conducted, laboratory studies will be carried out, and new theoretical models of non-stationary processes in small bodies, as well as models of the interaction of meteor showers with small bodies, will be developed and improved. The project also includes participation in international programs, including support for space missions and potentially hazardous objects for Earth, as well as active promotion of research. |
The total number of projects: 6
