Grants obtained open new horizons for the Institute of Astronomy named after Prof. Janusz Gil at UZ. Since the purchase in 2021 of a system of two mirror telescopes known as the Robotic Optical Telescope of the University of Zielona Góra (ROTUZ), scientists from the Institute of Astronomy named after Prof. Janusz Gil (IA UZ) have not slowed down in expanding their observational equipment. The year 2023 ended with excellent news, as positive decisions were announced regarding the granting of funding for the maintenance of scientific research equipment (SPUB) and a grant from the Regional Initiative of Excellence (RID). Both programs are funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
The SPUB grant in the amount of over 600,000 PLN will cover the costs of maintaining the currently owned equipment, which is currently located on the so-called telescope farm in Chile. The project "Centers of Scientific and Technological Excellence of the University of Zielona Góra" within RID was prepared jointly by the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and will be implemented in four disciplines: automation, electronics, electrical engineering and space technologies; mechanical engineering; astronomy; physical sciences. The above project received co-financing in the amount of over 13 million PLN. Part of this funding will be allocated by IA UZ for the purchase of another telescope, this time with a diameter of 70cm.
The currently owned ROTUZ equipment is a system consisting of two telescopes with diameters of 50 cm and 28 cm, placed on an azimuthal L-500 Direct Drive mount made by PlaneWave, representing the most advanced technology in this field. The decision of the authorities of IA UZ to relocate ROTUZ to the southern hemisphere, to the premises of the company DeepSky Chile in the Atacama Desert, confirmed the commitment to achieving the highest quality of astronomical observations. The atmospheric conditions in Chile, characterized by many clear nights, minimal light pollution, and low air humidity, provide an ideal environment for conducting research.
Thanks to this decision, the University of Zielona Góra gained access to a vast amount of high-quality observational data, which has led to an increase in the number of scientific publications and the quality of research conducted. Collaboration with companies from the space industry allowed for the unique use of ROTUZ in the project of the European Space Agency - "European Optical Network - EON". By adapting the system for monitoring space debris, ROTUZ not only conducts basic research but also provides support in global initiatives for monitoring outer space. Its role in the ESA project confirms the uniqueness and importance of this investment in the Polish astronomical scene. The SPUB and RID grants mark another stage in the development of these studies, enabling the University of Zielona Góra to continue contributing to global achievements in the field of astronomy.
