English (UK)
The regional government of Andalusy is getting involved in the co-management of the observatory, along with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
La The Economy, Knowledge, Companies and University ministry of Junta de Andalucía and the German Max Planck Society (MPG) have already signed, before a notary public, the transfer of 50% of the shares (social parts) that MPG had in the Calar Alto astronomical observatory.
With this signature, the autonomous administration of Andalusy will share its exploitation with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), which depends on the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
After receiving for free the shares, the Andalusian department head by Rogelio Velasco will bring 1.5 million euros per year to maintain and develop the observatory activities.
The incorporation of the Andalusian government to the astronomical center management makes Junta de Andalucía the owner of 50% of the shares of a highly competitive center, constantly renovating itself, and which played a crucial role in the development of modern astrophysics during the last decades.
Calar Alto will reinforce the network of Andalusian scientific and technological sites, and the participation of the autonomous administration in its management will consolidate this complex as a key piece in the public research system and universities in Andalusy.
The Calar Alto astronomical observatory is currently a worldwide reference for its forefront facilities, including unique instruments like the CARMENES spectrograph or the PANIC wide-field infrared camera. Calar Alto is fully integrated within the Spanish astrophysics network, being part of the Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS) national network, and maintain agreements to use its facilities with first rank institutions like the European Spatial Agency, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Paris Observatory among others -- having the Andalusian Institute of Astrophysics (IAA-CSIC), recently awarded with the prestigious Severo Ochoa Center prize, as its head institute to define the scientific and technological strategy.
COMMUNICATION – CALAR ALTO OBSERVATORY
prensa @ caha.es 958230532
