FAST4Future Online Seminar via Microsoft Teams
Topic: Recent Developments in Blazar Unification
Presenter: Prof. F.C. Odo
Affiliation of presenter: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Nigeria
Email address of the presenter: finbarr [dot] odo [at] unn [dot] edu [dot] ng (finbarr[dot]odo[at]unn[dot]edu[dot]ng)
Moderator: Prof. Taye Demissie (University of Botswana)
Email of FAST4Future: info [at] cesst [dot] org (info[at]cesst[dot]org)
August 29, 2024, 15:00 CAT
Abstract
The distributions of observed γ-ray properties, as well as orientation parameters of a sample of Fermi-LAT AGNs were used to investigate the hypothesis that γ-NLS1 objects are beamed sources with γ-ray emitting axes inclined at close angles to the line of sight. Based on these parameters we investigate the relationship between γ-NLS1s and other subclasses of γ-ray emitting jetted AGNs. Results show that γ-NLS1s are more highly beamed than both FSRQs and BL Lacs with mean value of core-dominance parameter Rγ ~ 9507. γ-NLS1s and jetted Seyfert galaxies are continuous in distribution of the orientation parameter with average cone angles ϕm ~ 8o and 44o respectively. Furthermore, the spectral energy distribution of γ-NLS1 is comparable to those of FSRQs and BL Lacs suggestive that γ-NLS1s and blazars form a continuous spectral sequence. There is a significant anti-correlation (r ~ -0.9) between the γ-ray dominance (Dγ) and γ-ray luminosity. There is a strong dependence of Dγ on redshift (r ~ -0.7) suggestive that Dγ is more sensitive to environmental factors than intrinsic γ-ray luminosity. The results suggest that γ-NLS1s are highly beamed γ-ray sources whose de-beamed counterparts can be found among Seyfert galaxy populations.
Biography
Finbarr Chidi, Odo is a professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka He earned his B.Sc (Physics) in 1998, M. Sc (Astrophysics) in 2006 and PhD (Astrophysics) in 2012, with specialty in radio astronomy and cosmology. Between 2006 and 2008, Finbarr served as a lecturer at the Federal College of Technical Education, Umunze, Nigeria and later as a Research Fellow at National Centre for Energy Research and Development, Nsukka. In 2016, Prof. Odo joined University of Nigeria, Nsukka as a Senior Lecturer and rose to Professor in 2023. Finbarr is a regular instructor at the Pan-African Summer School for Emerging Astronomers and a member of the Consortium board of Africa off-Earth Network.
Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 364 352 358 93
Passcode: MKNQg
https://teams.microsoft.com/v2/?meetingjoin=true
August 29, 2024, 15:00 CAT
The PhD is funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (the Italian Space Agency), and the title of the project is "The astrobiological potential of authigenic clays from hypersaline environments".
The deadline for applications is the 22nd of July 2024.
The call document can be found here: https://www.uniba.it/en/phd-courses/phd-1/40th-cycle/call-phd-selection-a-y-2024-2025/xl-ciclo?set_language=en
Below is an outline of the research activities and the qualifications required. Please do not hesitate to contact me in case you need more details.
PhD Scholarships for joint PhDs in Astrophysics for 2024/2025 Funded under the Joint Chair for Computational Astronomy at Stellenbosch University, South Africa and the University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
DEADLINE: 7th August 2024
Criteria We seek excellent students with a strong background in (astro)physical, engineering, or computer sciences, depending on the specific projects, who desire to obtain a Joint-PhD degree from a top-ranked European and a top-ranked South African university. To be eligible to apply, a candidate must hold a Master's or equivalent degree in Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, or Computer Science by the starting date of the enrolment (1 January – 31 March 2025). Previous research experience and skills will be important criteria for selection. English is the common language spoken at both institutes, and proficiency in English is a requirement for acceptance. For more details, see: UG Admission Criteria.
Submit your application here.
PhD SCHOLARSHIP VALUES and DURATION: Programme structure: The PhD students will be registered at both SU and UG. The students will defend their PhD thesis at the University of Groningen and obtain a JointPhD degree from both universities. All PhD positions are fully funded for four years at the level appropriate for their stays in South Africa (~3 years) and the Netherlands (~1 year). Stipend: In accordance with the regulations while resident at Stellenbosch University and while resident at the University of Groningen. The scholarship value is R200,000 per year for four consecutive years. During the visiting period at UG (6-12 months), the student will receive an additional monthly top-up to align with the local standard for PhD students in the Netherlands. Degree: Students will be registered at the graduate schools of both universities. They will defend their PhD thesis at Groningen University and receive a joint degree from Groningen University and Stellenbosch University. Travel: Students will be encouraged and supported to present and participate in national and international conferences Publication: Candidates are expected to publish at least two peer-review journal papers by the end of their studies. Application deadline and Selection process Publication Start Date: 17 June 2024 Application Deadline: 7 August 2024 (at midnight (23:59 SAST/CEST)). Short-listing of candidates will continue until all positions are filled. Interviews of shortlisted candidates are expected to start by 26 August 2024. Final acceptance of the candidates will be completed by early October 2024.
The High Energy Astrophysics in Southern Africa 2024 (HEA
SA 2024) conference will be proudly hosted by the School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) at the Wits Rural Facility from October 2nd to October 4th, 2024.
After the successful tenth conference in the annual series, High Energy Astrophysics in Southern Africa 2023 (HEASA 2023) held in Mtunzini, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, the eleventh conference, HEASA 2024, will continue its mission of uniting scientists from the Southern African region, the African continent, and around the world who share an interest in high-energy astrophysical phenomena.
The topics to be discussed at HEASA 2024 include theoretical aspects, multi-wavelength observations, and multi-messenger studies of astrophysical sources. These sources encompass a wide range, such as active galactic nuclei (AGNs), galaxy systems, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), X-ray/gamma-ray binaries, supernovae and supernova remnants, neutron stars, pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, and cataclysmic variables (CVs). Additionally, the conference will explore modern aspects of Astro-particle physics. More information can be accessed from: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1418852/overview
This course, by Prof. Fulvio Franchi, will provide the students with the basic knowledge of planetary geology with particular focus on celestial bodies that are currently under the spotlight because of ongoing and future missions, i.e. Mars and Enceladus. The course is divided in 10 hours of lectures (online) and 6 hours of laboratory activity (only for physical attendees). During the lectures the students will acquire knowledge on the geology and geomorphology of Mars and they will enter the fascinating world of planetary exploration, discussing of past, ongoing and future missions.
In a significant development, Professor Christer Fuglesang, a distinguished Swedish and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, is scheduled to embark on a tour of South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia in the first week of October. This event is part of the activities of the European Commission funded project called FAST4Future.
During his visit, Professor Fuglesang plans to hold crucial meetings with government officials and university leaders to discuss ways to elevate the role of space science in Africa's future development. These discussions are expected to pave the way for collaborative efforts aimed at harnessing the potential of space technology for the continent's advancement.
In addition to these high-level engagements, Professor Fuglesang will grace the public with his insights and experiences through public lectures.
It is to be recalled that, during the STS-116 mission, Prof. Fuglesang conducted three spacewalks alongside Astronaut Robert Curbeam. Their tasks included installing the P5 truss segment during the first spacewalk on December 12, 2006. The second spacewalk, on December 14th, focused on rewiring the ISS's power system channels 2 and 3. Additionally, an extra spacewalk on December 18th successfully resolved a solar panel retraction issue. In total, Prof. Fuglesang spent an extra spacewalk (EVA; time an astronaut gets out of a vehicle while in space) of 18 hours and 15 minutes conducting spacewalks during the STS-116 mission.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting visit and the potential impact it could have on Africa's space science landscape!
Contact us via info(at)cesst.org for further details and media coverage.
Lusaka, Zambia - January 23-25, 2024
The Department of Physics at the University of Zambia hosted the launch of the Work Package 4 Kick-Off Meeting for the Focus on Africa Space Science and Technology for Future Development (FAST4Future) project at the Grand Palace Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia from January 23rd to 25th. This gathering underscored a strong commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Africa. Mr. William Katongo, the Acting Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Technology and Science, officially opened the kickoff meeting. The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Mwenya Mulenga, Director, Science and Innovation, Ministry of Technology and Science, Prof. Anne Sikwibele, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia, and Dr. Orleans Mfune, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences. In addition to esteemed scientists, collaborators from various organizations also participated in this significant initiative.
The kickoff meeting’s primary objective is to foster conversations concerning the status of women in STEM and higher education across African partner nations. Furthermore, the intention was to collaborate on formulating a comprehensive learning program in Space Science and Applications in consultation with partner Higher Education Institutions. Another pivotal agenda in the meeting was to facilitate discussions on assessing the transferability of credits within the partnership.
In his official statement, Mr. William Katongo conveyed the dedication of the Government of the Republic of Zambia to fostering the growth of proficient space scientists, tackling current challenges, and pioneering significant discoveries. Prof. Anne Sikwibele echoed these sentiments in her address, underscoring the significance of the FAST4Future initiative in propelling Africa forward during the 4th industrial revolution.
Dr. Orleans Mfune, Dean, School of Natural Sciences, in his welcome address to distinguished guests, highlighted the School of Natural Sciences' unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that foster education and scientific collaboration.
Prof. Fulvio Franchi, the Principal Coordinator of the FAST4Future Project from Botswana International University of Science and Technology, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the overall FAST4Future project. Dr. Rekha Rajan, Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Zambia, and leader for Work Package 4, provided an overview of the specific goals and initiatives under Work Package 4.
This was followed by presentations from various task leaders and scientists from various partner institutions involved in FAST4Future project.
As the FAST4Future project takes its initial steps, the Kick Off Meeting set a dynamic stage for collaboration, reflection, and innovation. The University of Zambia, alongside governmental support, and international partnerships, stands poised to shape the future of STEM education in Africa through the FAST4Future initiative. The Gala Dinner, a celebration of the significant strides of FAST4Future, provided an atmosphere of networking and camaraderie, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines this transformative project.
Stay tuned for updates on the Work Package 4, FAST4Future project developments and contributions to the global scientific community.
As part of the FAST4Future activities for WP7, SANSA hosted a week-long STEM festival during World Space Week, 2-6 October 2023. 
The event included four days of activities for learners ranging from primary school to high school, a public lecture, and a workshop for early career scientists on giving lectures to the public or to learners. These events were co-organized by the SANSA Science Engagement team and the FAST4Future team. Approximately 150 learners participated, and the public lecture has been streamed 108 times on youtube.
The student activity events were generally a half day. Beginning with slides and movies about what space weather is and how it affects technology and society, then followed by an informal chat about what it’s like to be a scientist, led by Prof. Martin Snow. Students generally had many questions, ranging from rainbows the power outages. The students then got a tour of the SANSA Space Weather Centre where a Forecaster gave a description of the current conditions
The learners then spent a few hours doing hands-on activities: building a model cubesat, using a balloon to propel a vehicle, and building a rocket powered by compressed air.
The primary school learners did an activity on the interior of the Earth rather than building rockets. They coloured in the various layers of the interior: the core, the mantle, and the crust on a flat piece of paper and then turned it into a cross section of the Earth.
The final activity for the learners was to visit the many hands-on exhibits in SANSA’s certified Science Centre. The public engagement activity was a lecture given by Prof. Martin Snow titled “Storms from the Sun: protecting tomorrow’s technology.” It was livestreamed to youtube, and delivered in-person to a crowd of about 50 people in Hermanus. The video recording is available at here.
The final component of our STEM festival was a workshop led by the UK Space Academy for early career scientists. The topic was on how to give science talks to the public. There were tips on making eye contact, choosing accessible language, the speaker’s body language, and timing. The workshop was attended by graduate students, post docs, science support staff, and a few senior scientists.
Overall, the week-long STEM festival was a huge success. More than 150 learners and 100 members of the public were engaged in these activities. The support of the SANSA science engagement team was essential to the success of this festival, and we deeply appreciate their collaboration with FAST4Future.