Photos from Ventspils University webpage.
On November 8, VIRAC (Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre) in Latvia—JIVE's member country—celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The celebration began with a scientific seminar at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), where VIRAC plays a dynamic role. Established in 1994, VIRAC has significantly advanced research in astronomy, astrophysics, and space technology with its 32-meter and 16-meter radio telescopes. Both telescopes, equipped with fully rotatable parabolic antennas, are located in the wooded area near the village of Irbene, 30 kilometres north of Ventspils. VIRAC is also a key member of the European VLBI Network (EVN), of which JIVE is the central organisation, making an important contribution to the network's success.
VIRAC's team of researchers plays a vital role in numerous high-impact projects, with scientific activity increasing year by year. Recent efforts include investigations into solar flares, stellar superflares, and the formation processes of high-mass stars.
VIRAC's collaboration with the EVN and JIVE has also grown in scope and significance. Equipped with C, M, X, and L band receivers, Irbene’s telescopes currently support 90% of EVN observations. This already impressive contribution is expected to expand further with the addition of a K-band receiver, anticipated in 2025.
Sharing a few words on VIRAC's remarkable accomplishments over the past 30 years, Dr. Giuseppe Cimò, JIVE's Head of the Space Science and Innovative Applications Group, who had the honour of representing JIVE at the anniversary celebration, congratulated the VIRAC team for their technical and scientific success. He underlined the long-term collaboration between the two institutes from the first VLBI observations to the current synergies in radio astronomy and space science.
Many thanks for the invitation—we look forward to the years and the milestones ahead!