LOFAR

Source: Wionews

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Context

• A team of astronomers, led by Shobha Kumar from Midnapore City College in India, has recently discovered a new radio galaxy named J0011+3217 using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR).
• This discovery sheds light on the dynamic processes within galaxies and their interactions with surrounding environments.

Details

Radio Galaxy

• Core Activity:Radio galaxies like J0011+3217 emit significant amounts of radio waves from their central cores.
• Black Hole Activity:The central black hole accretes gas and dust, generating high-energy jets that propel charged particles at high velocities, creating observable features like jets, lobes, and hotspots.
• Active Phase:Radio galaxies remain active for up to 100 million years, characterized by visible features such as lobes and jets.
• Transition:Activity ceases as the galaxy enters a remnant phase, and the active galactic nucleus (AGN) diminishes.

LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR)

• The LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) is a revolutionary radio telescope network designed to observe the universe at low radio frequencies.
• Operated by the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), LOFAR is one of the most advanced and versatile radio telescopes in the world.
• Frequency Range:10 MHz to 240 MHz
• Location:Primarily located in the Netherlands, with stations across Europe
• Operational Since:2010
• Antenna Types:
  • Low-Band Antennas (LBA):Operate from 10 MHz to 90 MHz.
  • High-Band Antennas (HBA):Operate from 110 MHz to 240 MHz.

Sources:

Wionews

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Discuss the significance of the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) in advancing our understanding of the universe. Highlight its major scientific contributions and the impact of international collaboration in its operations. (150 Words)