The CTAO school is designed to help young researchers develop the great diversity of skills necessary in their scientific career, from the preparation of a scientific proposal, data analysis and science discussion, operation of telescopes and dissemination of their results, among others.

 

During the first week in Bertinoro (Italy), students will become familiar with many of the different research topics currently under study in Very High-Energy (VHE) Astrophysics, as well as with the most recent scientific news and results. With the foundation set, students will:
 

• Participate in hands-on sessions for data analysis, using the CTAO prototype science analysis tools, to get ready for the future CTAO data.

• Learn about best practices to write a successful scientific proposal. Students will have the chance to work together, under the supervision of the professors, to prepare their own scientific proposal to observe one or more targets with the fully-equipped prototype of the Large-Sized Telescope, the LST-1, built on La Palma (Spain). Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts, and those ranked highest will be submitted to the LST-1 Open Call for Observations later in the year.

• Present their own research to peers in a dedicated session that aims to foster discussion and synergies between students and professors.

 

The goal of the second week on La Palma (Spain) is to acquire the mindset of an observational astrophysicist and understand the technological challenges and opportunities of the Cherenkov technique. Thus, students will:
 

• Learn about the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes or Technique (IACT).

• Perform observations with the LST-1 at the CTAO Northern Site on the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, under the supervision of the LST-1 staff.

• Visit the LST-1 facilities, as well as other international telescopes, including the optical instruments Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) and Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC), and CTAO’s predecessor, the MAGIC telescopes.

 

Check the detailed Agenda and Important Dates for application.