Projects / Programmes
Astrofizika in fizika atmosfere (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
Researchers (30)
Organisations (1)
Significance for science
The results of the research programme form a notable contribution to scientific knowledge in all five research themes: (1) Galactic archaeology includes participation and leadership involvement in the largest ongoing international spectroscopic surveys of the Galaxy (Gaia satellite, RAVE, Hermes/Galah, Gaia-ESO surveys) in order to clarify its structure and origin as a typical galaxy in the Universe, and with a specific focus on active stars and on properties of interstellar medium. (2) Research of transient sources (mostly) used NASA's Swift satellite data coupled with world-class robotic and conventional telescopes to follow-up transient sources and establish their astrophysical nature and properties. The core interest was the physics of gamma ray bursts (GRB), but also extremely energetic events produced in the strong gravitational field of black holes, therefore connecting various areas from high-energy physics and general relativity to stellar evolution and stellar dynamics in central parts of galaxies. (3) In the context of galactic environments we focused on numerical modelling of galaxy environments of GRBs and on characterization of galaxy clusters' properties using modern cosmological simulations. Clusters of galaxies are the largest structures in dynamical equilibrium nowadays and are important as tools to determine cosmological parameters. They are also fundamental for interpreting the results of surveys with forthcoming satellites such as Euclid and Athena+. (4) Meteorological research extended the ongoing projects within the area of large/scale dynamics, data assimilation for numerical weather prediction (NWP), predictability research, precipitation analysis and verification, and integrated modelling of atmospheric processes with an integrated high resolution meteorological-chemical-transport model aimed at a better air-quality forecast. (5) The origin of families, possible nature of dark matter and physics beyond the standard model were discussed in five papers. Research on every of the five topics discussed above has been conducted at the top international level. Results have been published in prestigious research journals and discussed at scientific meetings, one or two such meetings per year have been organized also by our group.
Significance for the country
This the only research program in the areas of weather forecasting, climatology, astrophysics and cosmology in Slovenia. We are proud to point out that the team is composed of 10 PhDs, 5 of each gender. Also, women are leading 3 out of 4 workpackages. The program has an extraordinary importance for the society: ECONOMY SECTORS Improvements in weather forecasting link naturally with important economic questions in the insurance, energetics and agricultural sectors. Examples: collaboration with the Insurance company Maribor, Center of excellence Space.si, expert opinions related to larger investments in energetics (wind turbines at Volovja reber, pollution risks at Lafarge and at Krško plants). EXISTING AND NEW COMPANIES Several companies show much interest to employ our students. An example is astrophysical research, which should frequently find the simplest explanations of phenomena which were discovered only recently, using creative thought in the process. Individual companies interested in our students are SMEs, like Cosylab and Sinergise, our students are also among company founders. PUBLIC SECTOR We are providing the only research support to daily weather forecasting at the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO). Dr. Vanja Blažica, who recently finnished her PhD with us, won an award of the European geophysical union for her work on the operative prognostic model ALADIN-Slovenia (http://www.egu.eu/awards-medals/union-osp-award/2013/vanja-blazica/). ARSO is also an important employer of our students. DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL PROCEDURES ARSO needs to follow professional procedures which we help to co-develop, – see results at our website meteo.fmf.uni-lj.si. PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND PRESERVATION OF NATURAL HERITAGE Our online integrated atmospheric models contribute to better forecasting of severe weather events. This applies also to protection of natural heritage in case of severe weather events. INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS AND PROMOTION OF THE COUNTRY Our involvement in several important international research projects, often in a leading role, is discussed elsewhere. Understanding research achievements can be a source of national pride, fostering national identity. It also contributes to the increased interest of young people to study natural sciences. Examples: (1) our own daily weather forecast calculated with increased spatial resolution and a detailed forecast of air quality, see meteo.fmf.uni-lj.si), (2) daily astronomical news digest (www.portalvvesolje.si) and translation of astronomy picture of the day (apod.fmf.uni-lj.si), (3) monthly public lectures for the general public within a lecture series entitled "A journey through the Universe (www.portalvvesolje.si )dogodki), (4) open days and nights at season changes at the Astronomical observatory Golovec (astro.fmf.uni-lj.si), (5) preparation and organization of the monthly radio broadcast "Frequency X" with an astronomical topic, which airs on the 2nd programme of the national radio (Val 202, www.val202.si/frekvencax/), (6) contribution to educational and news programmes of the national TV (Ugriznimo znanost, Dobra ura, Odmevi, 24 ur, etc.), (7) translation and publication of astronomical and meteorological learning materials and professional publications and of the yearly astronomical ephemeris Naše nebo (Our sky), (8) organization of competitions in astronomy knowledge for primary and secondary school pupils (some 3000 participate each year) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES The programme group is responsible for the entire university level education in meteorology and astrophysics in Slovenia. This sums up to some 20 courses at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics and at other faculties of the University of Ljubljana. Considering that these lectures are given by just 4 teachers of our program team, and that many courses, despite their optional nature, have over 50 students, it is clear that our programme group has an exceptional teaching load.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
