Interferometry Forum
The objective of the Interferometry Forum is to bring optical interferometry to main stream astronomy and enable the Candidate Countries of central Europe to participate fully in technical and scientific developments in optical interferometry.
Interferometry – the combination of multiple telescopes in a single coherent array – is a powerful technique that allows astronomers to obtain unprecedented angular resolution and to measure motions of celestial bodies with extreme precision. The specific objectives of this activity are: (1) to exploit the scientific opportunities of the new facilities; (2) to integrate interferometry with more traditional astronomical techniques and make interferometry accessible to non-specialists; (3) to develop a long-term scientific perspective for optical / infrared interferometry well into the next decade.
The following activities will be undertaken:
- European Exchange Visitors Programme in Optical Interferometry: Funding (travel and accommodation) will be made available for visits of researchers from one of the participants to an institute of his/her choice (but within the European Community) to perform collaborative work on one of the active topics of the European Interferometry Initiative. The visits will typically last for one month, and strengthen the network of astronomers engaged in technical and scientific work on optical / infrared interferometry. Approximately 6 exchange visits per year throughout the 5 year programme are anticipated.
- Strategic Coordination: Working groups will be established to consider topics crucial to the future of optical interferometry on a strategic level. Provisional topics for these working groups include: “Visibility modelling from radiative transfer codes” and “Interferometric tests of stellar model atmospheres”. The working groups will each meet at least five times during the project, and compile a final report with conclusions. Regular coordination meetings are planned, travel support to participants will be provided.
- Developing the Vision for a Next-Generation Interferometric Facility: The participants will develop the science case and technology road-map for a future large interferometer.
The Chair of the Interferometry Forum Network activity is E Bakker (Leiden): bakker@strw.leidenuniv.nl
You can find out more about this networking activity at the home of the European Interferometry Initiative. This page provides links to information on the exchange programme and other activities, contact lists, etc: