RESEARCH INTERESTS
Time-varying celestial phenomena represent one of the most substantial sources of astrophysical information, and their study has led to many fundamental discoveries in modern astronomy. My interests in stellar astrophysics develop along four independent, yet connected, research lines that have as common scenario the study of variable stars. As such, it is the combined result of a profound and long-standing interest in i) panchromatic studies of stellar variability phenomena, ii) specific observing techniques (e.g., time-resolved photometry and medium-to-high resolution spectroscopy); and iii) development, optimization and intense use of optical and infrared (IR) astronomical instrumentation at small, medium, and large telescopes. Specifically, my current research activity at Gemini Observatory focuses on:
1) Symbiotic Stars: following the characterization of the symbiotic phenomenon in external galaxies; studying the nature of the accreting white dwarfs in symbiotic binaries through a systematic investigation of very fast photometric variability; enlarging the symbiotic population by searching for new symbiotic candidates in our Local Group.
2) BOMBOLO: a new astronomical imager, accepted as Visitor Instrument at the SOAR 4m Telescope.
3) Analysis and interpretation of the light curves obtained during the intensive variability campaign of the VVV ESO Public Survey, after completion of the preparatory VVV Templates Project.
I am involved in several Outreach activities, both in Chile and in Italy. On a voluntary effort I enjoy participating in public outreach events organized by the Gemini Public Information & Outreach department, responding to queries from the public and the media, as well as representing GEMINI in general meetings and events such as the annual SOCHIAS meeting and “Viaje al Universo”. On a regular basis I also collaborate with the USACH Planetarium of Santiago i) as scientific consultant for the production of full-dome digital planetarium shows, ii) as invited speakers of public talks, and iii) by joining massive outreach events (e.g., the “Día Nacional de la Astronomía”).
1) Symbiotic Stars: following the characterization of the symbiotic phenomenon in external galaxies; studying the nature of the accreting white dwarfs in symbiotic binaries through a systematic investigation of very fast photometric variability; enlarging the symbiotic population by searching for new symbiotic candidates in our Local Group.
2) BOMBOLO: a new astronomical imager, accepted as Visitor Instrument at the SOAR 4m Telescope.
3) Analysis and interpretation of the light curves obtained during the intensive variability campaign of the VVV ESO Public Survey, after completion of the preparatory VVV Templates Project.
I am involved in several Outreach activities, both in Chile and in Italy. On a voluntary effort I enjoy participating in public outreach events organized by the Gemini Public Information & Outreach department, responding to queries from the public and the media, as well as representing GEMINI in general meetings and events such as the annual SOCHIAS meeting and “Viaje al Universo”. On a regular basis I also collaborate with the USACH Planetarium of Santiago i) as scientific consultant for the production of full-dome digital planetarium shows, ii) as invited speakers of public talks, and iii) by joining massive outreach events (e.g., the “Día Nacional de la Astronomía”).