High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
Recent News
Students Contribute to New Understanding of ‘Twinkling’ Pulsars
The flexible observing setup of the Green Bank Observatory’s 20-meter telescope enabled frequent, long-duration observations of eight pulsars, spanning two and a half years for a student-driven study carried out by students in the Pulsar Science Collaboratory program.
Double the Disks, Double the Discovery: New Insights into Planet Formation in DF Tau
Tucked away in a star-forming region in the Taurus constellation, a pair of circling stars are displaying some unexpected differences in the circumstellar disks of dust and gas that surround them. A new study led by researchers at Lowell Observatory, combining data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Keck Observatory, has unveiled intriguing findings about planet formation in this binary star system, known as DF Tau, along with other systems in this region.
AUI and Managed Facilities to Attend AAS 245

AUI will attend the 245rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in National Harbor, Maryland, from Jan. 12-16, 2025. Staff will deliver five presentations on various astronomy topics, including research and education. The full schedule is as follows:
Monday, January 13
9:00 – 10:00 AM | Prince George’s Exhibit Hall CD
The transformative potential of a Network of Networks to support research-practice within astronomy education, engagement, communication and culture
Tuesday, January 14
10:30 – 10:40 AM | Chesapeake D/E
ASTRO ACCEL: Using a network of networks (NoNs) to increase research capacity and effectiveness within astronomy education, engagement, communication, and culture
Tuesday, January 14
10:00 – 10:06 AM | Chesapeake G/H
The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program (WGAP)
Tuesday, January 14
2:50 – 3:30 PM| Maryland 1-2
WGAP 2024 Cohort – Astronomy for Development Across the North American Region
Thursday, January 16
2:20 – 2:30 PM | Potomac 5-6
Research Findings on the Impacts of a Remote Telescope-based Curriculum for Undergraduate Introductory Astronomy
In addition to AUI presentations, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory has a full lineup of presentations, including the town hall on January 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Please note: locations and times are subject to change. Refer to the official AAS block schedule for the latest information.
Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the AUI booth (419) in the exhibit hall to learn about the latest discoveries and initiatives at AUI and its managed facilities.
AUI is a proud sponsor of the 245rd AAS meeting.
Recent News
NSF VLA Contributes Crucial Puzzle Piece to ‘Peculiar’ High Energy Transient
High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
Students Contribute to New Understanding of ‘Twinkling’ Pulsars
The flexible observing setup of the Green Bank Observatory’s 20-meter telescope enabled frequent, long-duration observations of eight pulsars, spanning two and a half years for a student-driven study carried out by students in the Pulsar Science Collaboratory program.
Double the Disks, Double the Discovery: New Insights into Planet Formation in DF Tau
Tucked away in a star-forming region in the Taurus constellation, a pair of circling stars are displaying some unexpected differences in the circumstellar disks of dust and gas that surround them. A new study led by researchers at Lowell Observatory, combining data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Keck Observatory, has unveiled intriguing findings about planet formation in this binary star system, known as DF Tau, along with other systems in this region.