Under the leadership of Günther Hasinger, Research Director of the European Space Agency ESA, DESY, as partner in an initiative of German astronomy and astroparticle physics, has proposed the foundation of the German Centre for Astrophysics (Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik, DZA) in Lusatia as part of the ideas competition of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Free State of Saxony. The aim of the competition is to develop and select the best concepts for the foundation of two large-scale research centres (annual budget 190 M Euro).

The DZA concept was selected from almost one hundred proposals to go forward to the second round of the six most convincing ideas to prepare concept proposals. The final review process is currently underway and the decision is expected at the end of this month. The concept for the DZA in Lusatia rests on three pillars: Firstly, the future enormous data streams fro large telescopes and astronomical observatories from all over the world are to be bundled and processed in the DZA. Secondly, building on the experience and modern environment of the industry in Saxony, a technology centre is to be created in which, among other things, new semiconductor sensors, silicon optics and control techniques for observatories will be developed. Thirdly, a unique underground laboratory, the Low Seismic Lab, is to be built in the granite of Lusatia a place of exceptional seismic tranquillity. It's also being investigated whether the granite stock is suitable as a site for the Einstein telescope.

Katharina Henjes-Kunst and Christian Stegmann present the DZA concept and report on the many activities carried out in recent months as part of the development of the concept and also on the opportunities that a German Centre for Astrophysics offers for astronomy and astroparticle physics in Germany.

This is a VIDEO COLLOQUIUM!

Connection details at https://desy.zoom.us/j/99616528722


Meeting ID: 996 1652 8733
Meeting Password: 733220

Slides (13.7 MB)

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