News & Media
VU MIF Students Improve Stars Classification
Vilnius University Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics students presented their interdisciplinary research at the international Open Readings 2026 conference. The project successfully combined astrophysics, mathematics, and data science to automate the classification of hot subdwarfs and identify binary systems. By testing multiple machine learning models on Gaia XP spectra the team discovered that optimizing the spectral data representation significantly improves classification accuracy over current standard methods. This advancement provides the astronomical community with faster and more interpretable tools for processing large cosmic datasets.
"Mysteries of Hot Subdwarfs": Public Talk by Markus Ambrosch and Carlos Viscasillas Vázquez
Dr. Markus Ambrosch and Dr. Carlos Viscasillas Vázquez delivered a public outreach lecture in Vilnius, engaging the general public with the ongoing evolutionary puzzle of hot subdwarf stars. The talk highlighted the team's recent analysis of 20 000 Gaia candidates, contrasting current theoretical models with observed data. The researchers also shared insights into how upcoming high-resolution observations at the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory will be utilized to refine our understanding of stellar evolution
"Gaia: A Wealth of Galactic Achievements": Public Lecture by Ana Ulla
Professor Ana Ulla from the University of Vigo delivered a public lecture at the Research Council of Lithuania regarding the achievements of the ESA Gaia mission. The presentation detailed how the mission's astrometric survey of nearly two billion sources has transformed our understanding of stellar evolution and Galactic structure. Ulla also talked about the mission's transition into its data processing phase, with upcoming releases expected to refine the most precise 3D map of our galaxy ever created.
"Foreign Visits are a Necessity for Scientist": Aidas Medžiūnas on International Research in Spain
Vilnius University MIF lecturer Arūnas Medžiūnas completed a research visit to the University of A Coruña in Spain, focusing on the analysis and modeling of astrophysical data using machine learning. The visit facilitated knowledge exchange and the planning of future joint scientific applications. Medžiūnas emphasizes that such international stays are essential for scientist to remain active members of the global research community.