SOLAR-Az – Infrastructure for Solar Activity Monitoring in the Azores Archipelago: e-CALLISTO Extension
SOLAR-Az is an e-CALLISTO extension project that aligns seamlessly with the objectives and output indicators of the RIS3 program by significantly expanding scientific research outputs and enhancing the global understanding of solar activity and space weather. This contribution addresses the program’s goals of strengthening regional scientific capacity, fostering innovation, and positioning the Azores as a leading research hub in space and environmental sciences. By enabling high-quality data production and facilitating its dissemination to the international community, the project will directly support advancements in predictive models for solar activity, fulfilling a critical need within the global scientific community.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project SOLAR-Az contributes to the RIS3 objectives by fostering the scientific and technological development of the Azores. Its emphasis on sustainable energy, space, and geoscience research, and ICT infrastructure aligns directly with RIS3’s priority and cross-sectoral areas. The deployment of solar monitoring stations in Santa Maria and Flores will address a critical geographic gap in the e-CALLISTO network, improving temporal and spatial resolution in solar data collection. This enhancement supports RIS3’s strategic vision by reinforcing the Azores’ role as a vital hub for geoscience and space weather research, while simultaneously aligning with the region’s strategic plan for space-related advancements.
This project embeds transformative activities and action lines foreseen in the RIS3 strategy. By integrating next-generation station technologies, such as Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) and advanced antennas with high signal-to-noise ratios, the project fosters innovation in observational techniques and equipment development. These technological advancements will be validated against rigorous testing protocols to minimize interference from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), potentially positioning RAEGE-Az as a leading contributor to global space weather infrastructure.
The project also addresses critical societal needs through outreach and workforce development, advancing RIS3’s goal of equitable regional development. Hiring a postdoctoral researcher or a PhD student ensures the growth of regional expertise in solar monitoring, data science, and engineering. By equipping local professionals with specialized skills and integrating them into international research networks, the project creates pathways for long-term capacity building and reduces regional brain drain. Collaborations with institutions such as the Universidade dos Açores (UAc) will reinforce these efforts by connecting local academic and technical resources with global research initiatives.
Innovation is central to the project’s objectives, with a strong focus on geoscience and space weather research. By deploying cutting-edge spectrometry technology integrated into the e-CALLISTO network, the project introduces new methodologies and tools for monitoring solar activity and forecasting space weather phenomena. These advances contribute significantly to the RIS3 priority of space and environmental research, improving predictive capabilities and understanding the impacts of solar activity on critical sectors like telecommunications, satellite operations, and energy infrastructure.
Additionally, data generated by the project will be processed using ICT and data analytics platforms, driving innovations in data handling techniques for large datasets. The dissemination of this data to the global scientific community will enhance big data analytics capabilities in solar research and foster international collaboration. Outreach activities will further amplify the project’s impact by introducing students and the general public to cutting-edge solar science, promoting STEM education, and cultivating a culture of scientific curiosity and innovation within the Azores.
In summary, SOLAR-Az project aligns with and contributes to the RIS3 strategy through its focus on scientific excellence, innovation, capacity building, and community engagement. Its transformative activities, including advanced technological developments, knowledge dissemination, and regional empowerment, position it as a cornerstone initiative for the Azores’ integration into the global scientific landscape and a key driver of regional economic and technological growth.
More information available in this link.
| Acronym: | SOLAR-Az |
| Title: | Infrastructure for Solar Activity Monitoring in the Azores Archipelago: e-CALLISTO Extension |
| Start-End: | November 2025 – October 2028 |
