Astrophysics

International Collaboration Projects

Many international collaboration projects have been carried out at the Guillermo Haro Astrophysics Observatory (OAGH.) Those listed below are some of the most important ones:

• Identification of optical counterparts of sources observed by the ROSAT X-Ray Satellite. This project revitalized the Observatory and strengthened collaboration ties between the INAOE and the Heidelberg Observatory in Germany, through the installation of the LFSOC Spectrophotometer at the OAGH. The project’s objective was to identify, -through photometric and spectroscopic observations-, the most likely optical counterpart among all objects found in the X-ray source error circles detected by the ROSAT Satellite.
• Monitoring of active galactic nucleus (AGN). This project is oriented towards the development of a database which will include 10 years of optical spectroscopic observations from a sample of AGN which are being studied –in other frequencies- at different observatories in the world. The main objective is to study how intensity varies, both in emission lines and in these galaxies’ continua. This project has allowed the OAGH to incorporate itself into the International AGN Monitoring Program.
• History of stellar formations in the Universe. Optical spectrum of isolated elliptical galaxies are being obtained, in pairs and those that belong to galaxy clusters (Virgo and Coma). These galaxies have already been observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope. The combination of optical spectrum with those of the Far Infrared (Spitzer) and the Near Infrared will aid in determining -with great precision- age and metallicity of these galaxies’ stellar populations.
• Monitoring of Type T Tauri stars (TTS). Study of the effects of clouds which surround many young stars, which will probably cause the formation of planetary systems around them.
• Discovery of the M82 Galaxy Spiral Structure. Using the Infrared Camera CANICA, we have discovered the existence of two symmetric spiral arms in this galaxy, which up until now had been considered a prototype for type II irregular galaxies, whose main characteristic is the absence of spiral arms.
• Study of counterparts of infrared sources detected by the ISO (Infrared Space Observatory) Satellite, in the sky region known as: European Large Area ISO Survey (ELAIS).
• Spectrophotometric monitoring of objects from the Second Byurakan Survey (SBS). This project consists of an important search for galaxies and quasars. Out of 3,563 objects contained in the SBS catalog, 319 were observed at the OAGH, 228 of these were galaxies and 91 were objects with stellar appearance.

Currently, many projects are being developed in collaboration with astronomers from various observatories from all over the world. This places the OAGH at the forefront of modern Astrophysics.