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UV Astrophysics Network: NUVA
The Network for UltraViolet Astrophysics (NUVA) is a structuring
activity within the OPTical Infrared COordination network for
Astronomy (OPTICON). The objectives of the NUVA network are
to identify needs and to develop an action plan to structure the
community of European astronomers interested in making use of
observations in the ultraviolet regime. Such structuring is
necessary to ensure that the capability to study the planets and
the Universe in this important spectral region is sustained over the
next decades. NUVA will bring together interested parties to plan
and execute a strategic plan for UV astronomy in Europe.
Looking to the Future
The participants in NUVA have realized
with great concern that no firm plans
exist to maintain an Ultraviolet
observing capability for astrophysics for
the future. This is despite the fact that
the range of important astrophysical
issues in astrophysics which require
observations in the Ultraviolet domain is
increasing with our understanding of
both the detailed structure of stars and
star formation, as well as the large scale
population of the Universe with baryon
structures on all scales. The availability
of UV observational capabilities is
especially problematic since this region
can only be studied from space.
NUVA Mission
NUVA will map and review the
instrumental performance of
existing and near future
capabilities in the UV on a
global scale. It will assess the
future needs and develop a
perspective for the future on a
European basis .
“The rationale for UV/FUV/EUV
spectroscopy is the diagnostic
richness of these wavebands that
cover almost ALL the resonance
lines of ALL elements, covering
plasmas from the coolest regimes
(10-1000K) up to the hot (105K)
regime. It also covers the
electronic transitions of the most
important molecules, thus
addressing the widest range of
science conceivable”.
Contacts
Structuring the UV Community
Dr. John K. Davies
OPTICON Project Scientist
UK Astronomy Technology Centre,
Blackford Hill
Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)131 668 8348
E-mail: [email protected]
Only concerted efforts by a well
coordinated community will be
sufficient to persuade space agencies
to develop new observational
capabilities in the UV.
Professor Ana I Gómez de Castro
NUVA chair
Instituto de Astronomía y Geodesia
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Plaza de Ciencias 3
Madrid, E28040
Spain
Telephone: +34 91 3944578
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.astro-opticon.org
OPTICON - The Optical
Infrared Coordination Network
for Astronomy
Key astrophysical problems
that require UV observations
Chemical evolution of the Universe
during 80% of its lifetime
(from the formation of the first
galaxies until now)
The formation of planetary systems
and the characterization of planets.
Wide European Approach
with Global Impact
Although NUVA has been created with
a strong European base, the network
will encourage the participation of
astronomers from other geopolitical
areas. The challenges facing the UV
community are the same all over the
world.
OPTICON is funded by the European Commission under Contract RII3-CT-2004-001566