Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This article aims to identify and suggest data science strategies to strengthen scientific research in astronomy. The improvements in data workflow performance that can be provided by these strategies can be crucial to the multimessenger astronomy (MMA). A special focus is given to the treatment of raw data in the context of big data networks for BRICS astronomy initiatives. A preliminary design of a prototype that incorporates an MMA data cube into a data lake system is presented.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We present a brief description of the activities of the infrared astronomy group of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research with special emphasis on the near-infrared instrumentation for star formation studies using 2 - 4-meter class Indian ground-based telescopes.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract International Scientific Optical Network (ISON) is an open international voluntary project specializing in observations of the near-Earth space objects. Observatories collaborating with ISON provide the global coverage and successfully combine the observations of the space debris and asteroids. The network includes more than 50 telescopes of 27 observatories in 15 countries and has been working since 2005. ISON monitors the whole GEO region and tracks the objects at GEO, GTO, HEO and LEO. ISON data allowing maintenance of the database of the space objects orbits, validating space debris population model and providing conjunction assessment analysis for satellites at high orbits. ISON develops the technology of asteroid survey with small telescopes and arranges regular photometry observations of near-Earth asteroids (NEA) to investigate the YORP effect, search new binary NEAs, and support radar experiments.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract With the advent of large astronomical surveys plus multi-messenger astronomy, both automatic detection and classification of Type Ia supernovae have been addressed by different machine learning techniques. In this article we present three solutions aimed at the future spectrometer of the KDUST project, within a scope of benchmark, considering three different methodologies. The systems presented here are the following: CINTIA (based on hierarchical neural network architecture), SUZAN (which incorporates the solution known as fuzzy systems) and DANI (based on Deep Learning with Convolutional Neural Networks). The characteristics of the systems are presented and the benchmark is performed considering a data set containing 15.134 spectra. The best performance is obtained by the DANI architecture which provides 96% accuracy in the classification of Type Ia supernovae in relation to other spectral types.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The almost universal availability of electronic connectivity, portable devices, and the web is bringing about a major revolution: information of all kinds is rapidly becoming accessible to everyone, transforming social, economic and cultural life practically everywhere in the world. Internet technologies represent an unprecedented and extraordinary two-way channel of communication between producers and users of data. ”Open Universe” is an initiative proposed to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and currently in implementation under the leadership of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN-OOSA). Its primary objective is to stimulate a dramatic increase in the availability and usability of space science data, extending the potential of scientific discovery to new participants in all parts of the world. This paper describes the initiative in general, some of the activities carried out to demonstrate its feasibility, and its use in the context of the BRICS Astronomy Programme.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract SiTian is an ambitious ground-based all-sky optical monitoring project, developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The concept is an integrated network of dozens of 1-m-class telescopes deployed partly in China and partly at various other sites around the world. The main science goals are the detection, identification and monitoring of optical transients (such as gravitational wave events, fast radio bursts, supernovae) on the largely unknown timescales of less than 1 day; SiTian will also provide a treasure trove of data for studies of AGN, quasars, variable stars, planets, asteroids, and microlensing events. To achieve those goals, SiTian will scan at least 10,000 square deg of sky every 30 min, down to a detection limit of $V \approx 21$ mag. The scans will produce simultaneous light-curves in 3 optical bands. In addition, SiTian will include at least three 4-m telescopes specifically allocated for follow-up spectroscopy of the most interesting targets. We plan to complete the installation of 72 telescopes by 2030 and start full scientific operations in 2032.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We present brief highlights and updates on some newer projects, both in operation/construction and in preparation stages, of astronomical research on Mainland China, with an emphasis on those involving international collaborations. Limited by the scope of this paper, this sample is not meant to be uniform nor comprehensive, and in some cases it may not be fully up to date. For more specific and detailed information on these or other projects, we refer the readers to the official websites of these projects and those of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Space debris division of PMO is devoted to play an important role in the research of orbital mechanics and the development of space debris observation techniques in China. To support the work, this division builds and operates a large optical network across China. The observational network include two major subsets, large field survey telescopes and precise tracking telescopes. The main objective of the network is to maintain cataloged orbital debris and detect uncatalogued debris. CHES at YaoAn site is the most recent facility, for higher orbits survey. New operational software and data pipeline that aims at detecting unresolved objects has being developed. This paper presents the details of this facility and related activities.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This paper is based on a proposal submitted for a BRICS astronomy flagship program, which was presented at the 2019 meeting of the BRICS Astronomy Working Group, held in Rio de Janeiro from 29 September to 2 October 2019. The future prospects for the detection and study of transient phenomena in the Universe heralds a new era in time domain astronomy. The case is presented for a dedicated BRICS-wide flagship program to develop a network of ground-based optical telescopes for an all-sky survey to detect short lived optical transients and to allow follow-up of multi-wavelength and multi-messenger transient objects. This will leverage existing and planned new facilities within the BRICS countries and will also draw on the opportunities presented by other multi-wavelength space- and ground-based facilities that exist within the BRICS group. The proposed optical network would initially perform followup observations on new transients using existing telescopes. This would later expand to include a new global network of \sim∼70 wide-field 1-m telescopes which will cover the entire sky, simultaneously, with a cadence of less than a few hours. This realization would represent a ground-breaking and unique global capability, presenting many scientific opportunities and associated spin-off benefits to all BRICS countries.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In the paper a scenario of an electromagnetic response formation from the merging of two black holes is considered. In this scenario it’s assumed that the binary black hole is surrounded by an accretion disk. As a result of the black holes merging and mass loss, the accretion disk experiences a disturbance, which is accompanied by shock waves propagation of sufficiently high intensity. Heating of matter by shock waves leads to a sharp increase in the flux of electromagnetic radiation from the disk. The paper includes a calculated light curve, radiation spectrum, and the estimation of characteristic duration of the flare. This method can be used to discover of electromagnetic responses from gravitational-wave events, which registered by the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and the Virgo detectors. Supporting the registration of gravitational-wave events by observations in the electromagnetic channel has far-reaching prospects, since it corresponds to the multi-messenger approach to the study of astrophysical objects.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We present briefly the LLAMA sub-mm radiotelescope, a joint project of Argentina and Brazil, being mounted in the Andes, Argentina, at 4800 m altitude. Here we focus on the activities that are going on mostly under the responsibility of Brazil, like the high frequency receivers, parts of the back-end and electronics, the optical system of the telescope to bring the radiation to the receivers, the equipment needed for the integration and verification phase (optical telescope and holography) and the computation system.The main scientific applications that are planned are dscribed. We also report on a joint program with BRICS countries approved in 2019, which will involve the use of LLAMA for testing high-frequency receivers.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This work is a Brazilian-Indian collaboration. It aims at investigating the structural properties of Lenticular galaxies in the Stripe 82 using a combination of S-PLUS (Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey) and SDSS data. S-PLUS is a novel optical multi-wavelength survey which will cover nearly 8000 square degrees of the Southern hemisphere in the next years and the first data release covers the Stripe 82 area. The morphological classification and study of the galaxies’ stellar population will be performed combining the Bayesian Spectral type (from BPZ) and Morfometryka (MFMTK) parameters. BPZ and MFMTK are two complementary techniques, since the first one determines the most likely stellar population of a galaxy, in order to obtain its photometric redshift (phot-z), and the second one recovers non-parametric morphological quantities, such as asymmetries and concentration. The combination of the two methods allows us to explore the correlation between galaxies shapes (smooth, with spiral arms, etc.) and their stellar contents (old or young population). The preliminary results, presented in this work, show how this novel data set opens a new window on our understanding of the nearby universe.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Intelligent Observatory (IO) refers to the vision of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) to meet the scientific needs of both the South African and international astronomical communities by providing a better and more efficient service. The idea behind the IO is to harmonise the astronomical operations of all the hosted and local astronomical facilities on the Sutherland Plateau. The vision requires both upgrades to some of the telescopes and a re-design of the current Sutherland operations model. The primary science driver, for the IO, is time-domain and transient science.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most energetic and mysterious events in the Universe, which are observed in all ranges of electromagnetic spectrum. Most valuable results about physics of GRB are obtained by optical observations. GRBs are initially detected in gamma-rays with poor localization accuracy, and an optical counterpart should be found. The faster the counterpart is found, the more it can give to physics. This first phase, as a rule, corresponds to an early afterglow. The next phases of the observations are multicolor photometry, polarimetry, spectroscopy, and few days later the search for a supernova or kilonova associated with the GRB, and finally, observations of the host galaxy. To manage the problem of fast optical observations, telescopes with a small aperture are suitable. They can have a large field of view, which is necessary to cover initial localizations of GRBs. The sensitivity of the telescope+detector may be sufficient to record statistically significant light curve with fine time resolution. We describe one of the networks of telescopes with a small aperture IKI-GRB FuN, and present the results of early optical observation of GRB sources, and discuss the design requirements of the optical observations for effective GRB research in the next decade.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Astronomy is entering an era of mega-data that will render conventional research methods as well as data and visual analytics tools ineffective. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) drives one of the most significant big data challenges of the next decades. South Africa, China and India are partners in the global SKA collaboration and host recently completed, next generation radio astronomy facilities. South Africa, Brazil, China and India are involved in the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), which represents a complementary mega-data challenge, vastly increasing the current data volume of optical surveys, and providing critical multi-wavelength data set for SKA analytics. Russian researchers are also engaged in radio astronomy and multi-wavelength, multi-messenger projects driving increasing volumes of observational data. This project brings together teams leading programs in data innovation in each partner country to collaborate on the development of new technologies and systems to meet the big data challenge of SKA pathfinder facilities and the multi-wavelength projects that are critical to the advance of astronomy. In so doing we will prototype and demonstrate scalable big data technologies for the new big data era, and establish a BRICS multinational federated data intensive cloud network for collaborative programs in data intensive astronomy.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract BINGO (BAO from Integrated Neutral Gas Observations) is a unique radio telescope designed to map the intensity of neutral hydrogen distribution at cosmological distances, making the first detection of Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) in the frequency band 980 MHz - 1260 MHz, corresponding to a redshift range 0.127 < z < 0.449. BAO is one of the most powerful probes of cosmological parameters and BINGO was designed to detect the BAO signal to a level that makes it possible to put new constraints on the equation of state of dark energy. The telescope will be built in Paraíba, Brazil and consists of two \thicksim 40m mirrors, a feedhorn array of 50 horns, and no moving parts, working as a drift-scan instrument. It will cover a 15^{\circ}∘ declination strip centered at \sim \delta∼δ =-15^{\circ}∘, mapping \sim∼ 5400 square degrees in the sky. The BINGO consortium is led by University of São Paulo with co-leadership at National Institute for Space Research and Campina Grande Federal University (Brazil). Telescope subsystems have already been fabricated and tested, and the dish and structure fabrication are expected to start in late 2020, as well as the road and terrain preparation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract IVIA is a joint initiative of at least 8 Latin-American countries plus Portugal and Spain to make good use of large telecommunications antennas that are out of service in these countries, because most international communications are now using submarine cables. The first step will be to refurbish the antennas and then to start doing single dish observations of radiosources. In a second step the antennas will be equipped with VLBI (Very Long Base Interferometry) equipment, to establish a VLBI network. This project will be able to effectively promote scientific integration in Ibero-America. The work is starting in several countries; here we present several scientific cases for the use of the antennas, and we report on the first Brasilian activities.