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Research and public service in the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere of the Earth and other planets, and of outer space.

Many people, including some scientists, think that the Moon is just a gray ball of rock in our sky and scientifically boring. However, the contrary is true. Since the Moon lacks an Earth-like atmosphere, its surface stays virtually unchanged for years. It’s like a geological time capsule…

Dr. Ir. Ann Carine Vandaele, Head of the Solar radiation in atmospheres department at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, is appointed as the new Director General of the Institute, as of 1 May 2024. Ann Carine will take over from Ronald Van der Linden, who filled the position a.i. for three months in anticipation of the new Director’s appointment.

Sunday 11 February 2024 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At BIRA-IASB, we believe that women's talents and abilities bring significant added value to our organisation. Therefore, we are taking this day to pay tribute to a very special colleague, Martine De Mazière.

On Wednesday January 31, his majesty the King Philippe of Belgium arrived at the door of the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB). He was received by the directors of the three institutes of the Space Pole site, including our own director Martine De Mazière. This was followed by a few explanations and presentations of the researchers themselves.

For the first time in history, the Humain Radio Astronomy Station will open its doors to the public on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September. BIRA-IASB scientists will be on site to tell you about their observations and research into the Earth's magnetosphere and plasmasphere, as well as into meteors (shooting stars) and what they can teach us about Earth's atmosphere, about comets or the Solar System.

Catalina Poraicu, a PhD researcher in atmospheric modelling at our Institute, was selected for the fourth edition of Soapbox Science Brussels, an event that aims to bring scientists and the public in direct contact, stimulate interest in scientific research and raise the visibility of female and non-binary researchers.