9–10 Apr 2026
Monte Mario
Europe/Rome timezone

Science cases for VSTPOL: the first large survey telescope for optical polarimetry

10 Apr 2026, 14:20
20m
Sala Cimmino (Monte Mario)

Sala Cimmino

Monte Mario

Via del Parco Mellini, 84, 00136 Roma

Speaker

Gianluca Castignani (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF))

Description

VSTPOL is a polarimetric optical camera to be mounted on the VST. It will represent a major upgrade for the VST. Its design and manufacturing is supported by the national PNRR CTA+ project funded by the EU. Thanks to its wide field of view, VSTPOL is particularly well suited for observations of large sky areas and for follow-up studies of variable sources. Among the most promising targets are galactic and extra-galactic TeV emitters, which often exhibit a significant degree of optical polarization. I will highlight potential science cases, target classes, and observing strategies aimed at maximizing the scientific output of VSTPOL.

Author

Gianluca Castignani (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF))

Presentation materials

There are no materials yet.