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The joint department of the Astronomical Institute of Czech Academy of Sciences
and the Silesian University in Opava (SU and ASU) was established in 2021 on the
basis of long-term scientific cooperation between the two institutions. The aim
of the Institutes is to develop joint scientific and technological projects
focused mainly on space research, cooperation, and support in the field of
current and future space missions and related transfer of technology, knowledge,
and skills. The Space Research Initiative (SRI) was established within the
framework of the project „Development of R&D capacities of the Silesian
University in Opava”.(CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/18_054/0014696).

Buildings of Institute of Physics in Opava (on left side) and Astonomical
Institute AV ČR (on right side), institutions cooperating on activities of Joint
Department

The joint department consolidates the activities of the scientific groups of SU
and ASU. Specifically, the groups within the physical Center of computational
physics and the observational data processing SU, the Center of theoretical
physics and astrophysics SU, and a relativistic astrophysics Group ASU. These
scientific groups focus on implementing advanced analytical and numerical
approaches, modeling physical processes, and developing technology. The
activities are primarily, but not exclusively, linked to the issues of
astrophysics, space research, and data modeling. The association forms a strong
and stable partner internationally recognized for collaboration with similar
groups on a global scale in both theoretical and applied domains. It enables
participation in international activities, which are inaccessible to individuals
and individual sub-departments, and creates space for effective technology
transfer, knowledge, and skills in the field of space research and the execution
of space missions.

The joint department directly builds upon previously realized projects
„Relativistic and particle physics and their astronomical applications” (MSM
4781305903), „Center of theoretical astrophysics” (LC06014), „Support for
joining international networks of theoretical and observational research in the
field of relativistic astrophysics of compact objects” (CZ.1.07/2.3.00/20.0071),
„Albert Einstein Center for the gravitation and astrophysics” (GAČR,
GB14-37086G), and „Support for the international development of scientific
collaboration in the field of relativistic astrophysics and the preparation of
X-ray space missions” (LTI17018).

The department is currently undertaking, among other initiatives, a newly
started project of a highly prestigious grant competition in excellent research
by GAČR EXPRO „Accreting black holes in the new era of polarized X-ray missions”
(GA21-06825X) based on research that was enabled by the new generation of
orbital cosmic radiation detectors. The Physics Institute SU together with the
department of the Astronomical Institute of Czech Academy of Sciences recently
joined the technological consortium with the Frentech Aerospace and the L.K.
Engineering a Elya Solutions companies for the preparation of space missions.

The consortium of the Astronomical Institute and Silesian University, along with
the Frentech Aerospace and the L.K. Engineering a Elya Solutions companies, is
implementing the Czech hardware contribution for the x-ray satellite eXTP,
supported by the ESA- PRODEX program. The Czech consortium’s involvement is
focused on partial components of the satellite and computer simulations to
optimize the performance of the advanced X-ray detector LAD- the main instrument
arranged by the satellite observatory eXTP, which will investigate the behavior
of extremely dense matter in strong gravitational and magnetic fields. The eXTP
project is the result of a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA)
and the Chinese National Space Agency, with the satellite expected to be
launched by 2027 at the latest.

ASU and SU have been collaborating on the joint project „Accreting black holes
in the new era of polarized X-ray missions” since 2021. The funding for this
research is provided by the Czech Republic Grant Agency under its flagship
program for supporting excellent scientific EXPRO teams. Within the scope of the
project, scientists from both institutions are dedicated to understanding the
behavior of gas which is getting near to the immediate vicinity of black holes,
using a completely new technology- X-ray polarimetry. Through measurements from
the new detectors in orbit, they are investigating the relation between the
black hole and its immediate surroundings where the highly luminous object, the
accretion disk, forms.

Newly constructed detectors are providing scientists with previously missing
information about the polarization of incoming photons. This data reveals the
force and the orientation of magnetic fields in observed objects, or by the
position, size, and temperature of the corona. With the expertise of Czech
scientists and the development of globally unique models for these analyses, it
will be possible to deduce the spatial arrangement, physical properties, and
behavior of gasses in the close vicinity of active black holes and to
understand, how these colossal space power-plants convert mass into pure energy.

Research into Einstein’s theory of relativity is essential to the work of the
Joint Department. So far, it has already brought mankind both GPS navigation
systems (middle panel) and predictions of almost unbelievable cosmic objects now
confirmed by X-ray observatories such as XMM NEWTON (right panel). SU and ASU
scientists collaborate, for example, with the Black Hole Initiative (Harvard).
SU and ASU staff and students at meetings dedicated to space research.
The Joint Department organises conferences, workshops and other events that
support the progress of research and create conditions for the transfer of
technology, knowledge and skills. The upcoming X-ray space observatories “The
enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission” – eXTP (left) and “Advanced
Telescope for High-Energy Astrophysics” – Athena (right).
Poster of the initiative for space research

Institute of Physics in Opava,
Silesian University in Opava
Bezručovo náměstí 1150/13
746 01 Opava, Czech Republic

https://physics.slu.cz
Tel.: +420 553 684 022


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