The Astrophysics Division at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (Warsaw, Poland) provides expertise in observational and theoretical astrophysics, with a strong focus on time-domain astronomy, multi-messenger astrophysics, and large-scale structure of the Universe. The division combines advanced data analysis, observational facilities, and international collaborations to address key questions in modern astrophysics.

Within ACME, the institute operates and develops BHTOM (Black Hole Target and Observation Manager), a global network of more than 160 small and medium-sized telescopes designed for time-domain astrophysics and rapid follow-up observations.

Main contact: Lukasz Wyrzykowski

Available expertise

  • Observational Astronomy & Transient Follow-up
  • Time-domain data analysis and alert handling
  • Telescope network operations and optimisation
  • Photometric calibration and large-scale light curve analysis
  • Coordination of follow-up campaigns for transient phenomena
  • Photometric and spectroscopic follow-up of optical transients
  • Multi-messenger counterparts (e.g. gravitational-wave events)
  • Monitoring of variable sources and active galactic nuclei

Optical Imaging of Galaxies & Large-Scale Structure

The division has strong expertise in optical imaging and analysis of galaxies, including studies of galaxy evolution and large-scale structure.

  • Deep optical imaging and multi-wavelength data analysis (Rubin/LSST)
  • Spectral energy distribution modelling
  • Statistical studies of galaxy populations

Community & Outreach: Amateur Network Integration

BHTOM is tightly connected to the amateur astronomy community through EASST foundation (url https://easst.eu)

  • Integrates amateur and professional observatories
  • Enables citizen science contributions to time-domain astronomy
  • Expands observational coverage and rapid-response capability

Available tools

See BHTOM page

Involved scientists

Lukasz Wyrzykowski

Lead of BHTOM, expert in time-domain astronomy, microlensing, and telescope networks

Przemyslaw Mikolajczyk

image data processing, observational techniques, photometry

Priscila Pessi

Optical transients, supernovae, sperctroscopy, observational techniques

Andrew Fraser Gillan

Asteroid and comet observations, observational astronomy

Agnieszka Pollo

Galaxy evolution, large-scale structure, optical surveys