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So far Kryoneri2023 has created 131 blog entries.

Size, shape, density, and atmospheric limit of (50000) Quaoar revealed from 14 years of stellar occultation

2026-07-20T14:23:34+03:0020/07/2026|

We present results from 28 stellar occultations by the large Trans-Neptunian Object (50000) Quaoar registered between 2018 and 2025. By performing a joint analysis of this occultation data-set, along with other 9 published events, we were able to fit an oblate ellipsoid shape, with equatorial semi-axes, a and b of 566.1+2.5-2.2 km, and a polar semi-axis, c, of 511.2+3.6-3.7 km. It provides an equivalent volumetric diameter of 1094.4 +/- 4.6 km and polar oblateness of 0.097 +/- 0.011. Considering an absolute magnitude of H = 2.79 +/- 0.35, we derive a geometric albedo of pV = 0.125 +/- 0.038. We have derived new upper limits to the surface pressure of a CH4 atmosphere of 0.15 nbar (1-sigma) and 0.65 nbar (3-sigma). We also provide a table with the 36 new astrometric positions for Quaoar. Using the new system mass derived from Weywot's orbit around Quaoar, we calculated a density of 1.760 +/- 0.109 g/cm3. Moreover, from the derived size and rotation period (8.8394 +/- 0.0002 hours (Ortiz et al. 2003)), we calculate that, if Quaoar is in Maclaurin hydrostatic equilibrium state, it would have a density of 1.859 +/- 0.200 g/cm3. This result, within the error bars, is compatible with the value we found. Therefore, this work shows that Quaoar can be a Maclaurin object, being eligible as a dwarf planet.

Mare versus highland lunar impact flash light curve dichotomy

2026-07-20T14:16:49+03:0020/07/2026|

We performed a comprehensive analysis of lunar impact flash (LIF) light curve shapes and their dependence on the lunar terrain, using the large sample of LIFs detected by NELIOTA over the last 9 years. We classified 124 multi-frame light curves into mare, highland, and 'border' regions. Subsequently, we derived analytical expressions for single-size and dual-size ejecta cooling models, which we fitted to the observational data to estimate their physical properties. While impacts on the two terrains yield similar peak magnitude distributions, their decay behaviour differs significantly; highland LIFs exhibit a shallower and longer-lasting decay (τ= 0:11+0:08/-0:05 s) compared to mare flashes (τ= 0:038+0:032/-0:018 s). The dual-size model suggests this extended duration is primarily driven by the coarse particles of the ejecta. The profile and duration of the LIF light curves represent the initial stages of the impact cratering process. The observed dichotomy between highland and mare LIFs demonstrates that the initial stages of the impact cratering process are fundamentally dependent on lunar lithology.

Installation of a new robotic 80-cm telescope at Kryoneri Observatory

2026-06-24T16:20:12+03:0023/06/2026|

During April–May 2026, IAASARS completed the construction of a new retractable-roof building and the installation of a modern robotic telescope at the Kryoneri Observatory in Corinthia. The new telescope (ASA800) is equipped with an 80 cm primary mirror and operates at a focal ratio of f/6.5. It is a Ritchey–Chrétien optical design featuring two Nasmyth foci and is mounted on an alt-azimuth mount. The telescope is fully robotic and remotely operated, and is equipped with two imaging cameras as well as a filter wheel. The telescope building features a retractable roof that opens during observations and has been designed to close automatically, without human intervention, in the event of adverse weather conditions, ensuring the protection of the equipment ...

ASASSN-24fw: Candidate Gas-rich Circumsecondary Disk Occultation of a Main-sequence Star

2026-01-26T16:35:06+02:0026/01/2026|

Dusty disks around planetary and substellar companions in outer reaches of exoplanetary systems can be detected as long-lasting occultations, provided the observer is close to the secondary's orbital plane. Here we report optical spectroscopy with KOSMOS (Apache Point Observatory), MagE (Magellan), and GHOST (Gemini-S) of ASASSN-24fw (Gaia 07:05:18.97+06:12:19.4), a 4 mag dimming event of a main-sequence star which lasted 8.5 months. We discover multiple low-ionization metal emission lines with velocity dispersion ≲ 10 km s−1 blueshifted by 27 km s−1 with respect to the star, as well as kinematically complex Na D absorption.

Telescopes on Helmos and in Kryoneri in the Peloponnese communicate with NASA’s Psyche mission at a distance of 265 million kilometers

2025-09-10T15:27:00+03:0026/07/2025|

In a rare space-related achievement for Greece, telescopes of the National Observatory of Athens in the Peloponnese are being deployed this summer in an interplanetary laser optical communication experiment, a technology being tested for the first time on European soil, paving the way for the era of the so-called space Internet.

Summer School of Observational Astrophysics in Kryoneri, Corinthia

2025-09-10T15:33:05+03:0023/07/2025|

Between July 9 and 12, for the second year in a row, a three-day Summer School of Observational Astrophysics was held in Kryoneri, Corinthia, for graduate and final-year undergraduate students from across Greece. The students were hosted in a local guesthouse, observed the night sky with the 1.2-meter telescope of the Kryoneri Observatory as well as the Sun using a solar telescope and radio antenna, attended lectures, and were trained by Dr. Koulouridis, PhD candidate Ms. Drigga, Dr. Liakos, and Dr. Vardoulaki in techniques of analyzing observational data (optical and radio waves) from the Observatory's researchers. The local community once again warmly supported the School, creating a welcoming and collaborative environment for all. This year's highly successful event followed the first School held in 2023 and confirms that Kryoneri can evolve into a regular meeting point for those who love Astrophysics, with the Observatory at its center.

A catalogue of δ Sct pulsators in binary systems in 2024

2025-05-19T13:38:28+03:0019/05/2025|

The updated catalogue of δ Sct stars in binary systems as well as their statistical properties are presented. Thanks to the Kepler, K2 and TESS space missions, this version of the catalogue contains more than 1000 δ Sct pulsators in binaries. The sample is divided according to the Roche Geometry of the binary systems in order to check for any systematic differences in the pulsators' evolution due to the proximity of the companion star. Statistics, demographics, and distributions of these pulsating stars within the H-R and mass-radius diagrams are provided. We notice that the absolute parameters have been accurately determined for only approximately 10% of the whole sample. Additionally, updated correlations between pulsation and orbital periods and evolutionary status are presented. This work aims to motivate the researchers for systematic analyses of such objects in order to increase the sample of systems with well known physical properties.

Is the symbiotic recurrent nova T CrB late? Recent photometric evolution and comparison with past pre-outburst behaviour

2025-05-19T13:37:51+03:0019/05/2025|

T CrB is a symbiotic recurrent nova that last erupted in 1946. Given its recurrence time-scale of approximately 80 yr, the next outburst is eagerly anticipated by the astronomical community. In this work, we analyse the optical light curves of T CrB, comparing recent photometric evolution with historical data to evaluate potential predictive indicators of no va eruptions. Although the 'superactive' phases preceding both the 1946 and anticipated eruptions are strikingly similar, the subsequent photometric behaviour differs. We find that the decline in brightness observed in 2023, interpreted by some as a 'pre-eruption dip', deviates from the deep minimum recorded prior to the 1946 event and does not reliably predict the eruption timing. Recent photometric and spectroscopic observations indicate that the system is returning to a high-accretion state. Given this, an eruption may be imminent, even without distinct precursors. While the next eruption of T CrB will be a major scientific event, its expected peak brightness of V ∼2 mag highlights the importance of setting realistic public expectations for what will be a visually modest, yet astrophysically very significant, celestial event.

NELIOTA: New results and updated statistics after 6.5 years of lunar impact flashes monitoring

2024-06-17T17:53:42+03:0016/06/2024|

We present results of the Near-Earth objects Lunar Impacts and Optical TrAnsients (NELIOTA) campaign for lunar impact flashes observed with the 1.2 m Kryoneri telescope. From August 2019 to August 2023, we report 113 validated and 70 suspected flashes. For the validated flashes, we calculate the physical parameters (masses, radii) of the corresponding projectiles, the temperatures developed during the impacts, and the expected crater sizes...

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