Scientific work from 2013 to 2023.

Scientific activities represent the continuation and expansion of research in the field of solar physics, solar activity, and its impact on Earth, as well as the monitoring of solar modulation of galactic cosmic radiation (by recording secondary cosmic radiation) and research in the fields of the history of astronomy and fundamental astronomy. In collaboration with scientists from the Hvar Observatory of the Faculty of Geodesy at the University of Zagreb and the Institute for Geophysics, Astrophysics, and Meteorology in Graz, Austria, the dynamics of coronal mass ejection eruptions and their morphology have been investigated. Research on solar differential rotation has also continued in collaboration with scientists from the Hvar Observatory of the Faculty of Geodesy at the University of Zagreb and with members of the Faculty of Physics, Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, in Rijeka. Regular participation has been maintained in the weekly scientific workshop “Scientific Tuesday,” organized by the Hvar Observatory.

The monitoring of galactic cosmic radiation modulation is conducted in collaboration with the Cosmic Ray Division of the Alikhanian Institute of Physics in Yerevan, Armenia. The cosmic ray detector SEVAN CRO (Space Environmental Viewing and Analysis Network and Cosmic Ray Observatory Zagreb), located at the Observatory, is part of a network of instruments for space weather forecasting. This network is partially intended for the prediction of heliospheric storms and the study of the impact of heliospheric conditions on space and terrestrial technical and biological systems, as well as on the climate of our planet. In December 2022, the Observatory joined and applied for the project “Modeling Terrestrial and Space Weather and Building Climate Research Awareness through a Global Deployment of Cosmic Ray Muon Detector Network,” led by Dr. Xiaochun He’s team from Atlanta, and prepared an application for financial support. A SuperSID monitor is operational for tracking the ionization state of the ionosphere.

The staff of the Observatory successfully participate in domestic and international scientific projects in the fields of solar physics and cosmic radiation. Published works in prestigious scientific journals confirm the high profile of the staff and their involvement in current astronomical research. This segment of work contributes the most to the international reputation of the Observatory. For example, from December 6 to 8, 2018, a three-day “Austrian-Croatian Scientific Workshop: Solar and Heliospheric Physics” was held at the Observatory.

Croatia officially became a member of SCOSTEP (Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics) in February 2020. SCOSTEP is an international interdisciplinary scientific program promoting research in solar and terrestrial physics, providing the necessary scientific framework for international collaboration and the dissemination of scientific knowledge in cooperation with other bodies of the ISC (International Science Council). The national coordinator of the SCOSTEP program for Croatia is the director of the Observatory, Dragan Roša.

As part of their scientific activities, the staff of the Observatory have reviewed several scientific articles for the journals Geophysical Research Letters and Solar Physics.

The modernization of instruments and accompanying equipment has improved and expanded the observation of celestial bodies, particularly for astronomical phenomena that may have scientific significance (e.g., occultations, variable stars, etc.). Recording data (either photographically or digitally) is a relatively extensive task. It also has educational value, as students and pupils can participate. The installed telescope, H-alpha filter, and CCD cameras significantly enhance the quality of solar patrol observations, and collaboration has been strengthened with traditional partners – the Kanzelhöhe Observatory in Austria and the Hvar Observatory. The collected data contribute to global efforts for the highest quality and continuous monitoring of solar activity.

Over the past ten years, the Observatory has been visited by a number of eminent experts in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Some of them include:

• From December 9 to 10, 2015, Prof. Dr. Suk-Jin Yoon from Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea, visited the Observatory.
• On October 3, 2016, the Observatory was visited by Prof. Dr. Ilan Roth from the University of Berkeley, USA.
• On February 19, 2018, the Observatory was visited by an ESA delegation led by scientist Dr. Frederic Nordlund.
• On June 11, 2018, the Observatory was visited by a group of scientists participating in the conference “Scerin-6 Capacity Building Workshop on Earth System Observations,” held in Zagreb and organized by the Forestry Institute and the Faculty of Geodesy.

The Observatory, as a unique “service center” for amateur astronomers, interested citizens, school groups, and students, provides diverse professional information and astronomical data. It prepares official astronomical data for the

The Zagreb Observatory plays a crucial role in providing official astronomical data to state and other institutions. This includes data related to solar activity, space weather, and other astronomical phenomena that are essential for various scientific, educational, and operational purposes. The Observatory’s instruments and research capabilities enable it to contribute valuable data to national and international projects.

Radovi objavljeni u časopisima koji su referirani u svjetskim bazama podataka

Poljančić Beljan, I.; Jurdana-Šepić, R.; Čargonja, M.; Brajša, R.; Hržina, D.; Pötzi, W.; Hanslmeier, A.: An analysis of the solar differential rotation from the Kanzelhöhe sunspot drawings // Central European astrophysical bulletin, 38 (2014), 2, 87-93

Maričić, D.; Vršnak, B.; Dumbović, M.; Žic, T.; Roša, D.; Hržina, D.; Lulić, S.; Romštajn, I.; Bušić, I.; Salamon, K.; Temmer, M.; Rollett, T.; Veronig, A.; Bostanjyan, N.; Chilingarian, A.; Mailyan, B.; Arakelyan, K.; Hovhannisyan, A.; Mujić, N.: Kinematics of Interacting ICMEs and Related Forbush Decrease: Case Study // Solar physics, 289 (2014), 351-368, doi:10.1007/s11207-013-0314-8

Skokić, I.; Brajša, R.; Roša, D.; Hržina, D.; Wöhl, H.: Validity of the Relations Between the Synodic and Sidereal Rotation Velocities of the Sun // Solar physics, 289 (2014), 5; 1471-1476, doi:10.1007/s11207-013-0426-1

Roša, D.; Borić, M.: Doprinosi akademika Žarka Dadića na području astronomije // Historijski zbornik, 2 (2016.); 519-524

Maričić, D.; Bostasyan, N.; Dumbović, M.; Chilingarian, A.; Mailyan, B.; Rostomyan, H.; Arakelyan, K.; Vršnak, B.; Roša, D.; Hržina, D.; Romštajn, I.; Veronig, A.: The Successive CME on 13th ; 14th and 15th February 2011 and Forbush decrease on 18 February 2011 // Journal of physics. Conference series, 409 (2017), 1-4, doi:10.1088/1742-6596/409/1/012158

Poljančić Beljan, I.; Jurdana-Šepić, R.; Brajša, R.; Sudar, D.; Ruždjak, D.; Hržina, D.; Pötzi, W.; Hanslmeier, A.; Veronig, A.; Skokić, I.; Wöhl, H.: Solar differential rotation in the period 1964–2016 determined by the Kanzelhöhe data set // Astronomy & astrophysics, 606 (2017), A72, 10, doi:10.1051/0004-6361/201731047

Bandić, M.; Verbanac, G.; Pierrard, V.; Cho, J.: Evidence of MLT propagation of the plasmapause inferred from THEMIS data //Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 161 (2017), 55–63, doi: 10.1016/j.jastp.2017.05.005

Verbanac, G.; Bandić M.; Pierrard, V.; Cho, J.: MLT Plasmapause Characteristics: Comparison Between THEMIS Observations and Numerical Simulations //Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 123 (2018), 2000-2017. doi:10.1002/2017JA024573

Maričić, D.; Vršnak, B.; Veronig, A. M.; Dumbović, M.; Šterc, F.; Roša, D.; Karlica, M.; Hržina, D.; Romštajn, I.: Sun-to-Earth Observations and Characteristics of Isolated Earth- Impacting Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections During 2008 -2014 //Solar physics, 295 (2020), 7; 91, 24, doi:10.1007/s11207-020-01658-4

Bandić, M.; Verbanac, G.; Pierrard, V.: Relationship Between Global Plasmapause Characteristics and Plasmapause Structures in the Frame of Interchange Instability Mechanism // Journal of geophysical research: Space physics, 125 (2020), 2, 1-12, doi:10.1029/2019JA026768

Verbanac, G.; Bandić, M.: Origin and Characteristics of the Southward Component of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field // Solar Physics, 296 (2021), 183, doi: 10.1007/s11207-021-01930-1

Poljančić Beljan, I.; Jurdana-Šepić, R.; Jurkić, T.; Brajša, R.; Skokić, I.; Sudar, D.; Ruždjak, D.; Hržina, D.; Pötzi, W.; Hanslmeier, A.; Veronig, A.: Variation of the solar differential rotation and activity in the period 1964 – 2016 determined by the Kanzelhöhe data set // Astronomy & astrophysics, 663 (2022), A24; 1-12, doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202140509

Verbanac, G.; Bandić, M.: Reply to Comment on “Origin and Characteristics of the Southward Component of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field” by C.T. Russell. // Solar Physics, 297 (2022), 156, doi: 10.1007/s11207-022-02086-2

Verbanac, G.; Bandić, M.; Krauss, S.: Influence of the solar wind high-speed streams on the thermospheric neutral density during the declining phase of solar cycle 23. // Advances in Space Research, 69 (2022), 12, 4335-4350, DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2022.03.032

Brajša, R.; Verbanac, G.; Bandić, M.; Hanslmeier, A.; Skokić, I.; Sudar, D.: A prediction for the 25th solar cycle maximum amplitude // Astronomische Nachrichten, 343 (2022), e2113960, doi: 10.1002/asna.202113960

Nitti, S.; Podladchikova, T.; Hofmeister, S.J.; Veronig, A.M.; Verbanac, G.; Bandić, M.: Geomagnetic storm forecasting from solar coronal holes // Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 519 (2023), 2, 3182-3193

Husak, M.; Brajša, R.; Špoljarić, D.; Krajnović, D.; Ruždjak, D.; Skokić, I.; Roša, D.; Hržina, D.: Bošković’s Method for Determining the Axis and Rate of Solar Rotation by Observing Sunspots in 1777. Sol Phys 298, 122 (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11207-023-02214-6

Radovi u zbornicima na međunarodnim skupovima

Poljančić Beljan, I.; Jurdana – Šepić, R.; Brajša, R.; Hržina, D.; Poetzi, W.; Hanslmeier, A.; Ruždjak, D.; Sudar, D.; Skokić, I.; Woehl, H.: Determination of the Kanzelhoehe sunspot group positions: manual versus automatic method // Book of Proceedings, Multi-Wavelength Studies of the Solar Atmosphere: Celebrating the Career of Costas Alissandrakis, Ioannina, Grčka, 2015.

Vujnović, V.; Roša, J.; Roša, D.: Zemljino magnetsko polje sve slabije štiti od kozmičkog zračenja, Hrvatska – prevencijom do zdravlja i vitalnost // knjiga izlaganja na znanstvenom skupu, Veli Lošinj, 2.-3. rujna 2016., urednik Goran Ivanišević. – Zagreb: Hrvatski liječnički zbor, 2016. 45-49, ISBN 9789537959524.

Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Karlica, M.: Heliospheric Observation of Earth – Directed Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection in 2008 – 2014 // Book of Abstracts Ninth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, 2017, 9

Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Šterc, F.; Karlica, M.: Morphology and Geomagnetic Effects of Corotating Interaction Regions in 2008 – 2014 // Proceedings of Tenth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, Primorsko, Bulgaria, 2018, 47-54

Šterc, F.; Roša, D.; Maričić, D.; Hržina, D.; Romštajn, I.; Chilingarian, A.; Karapetyan, T.; Cafuta, D.; Horvat, M.: SEVAN particle detector at Zagreb Astronomical Observatory: 10 years of operation // Proceedings of Tenth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, Primorsko, Bulgaria, June 4-8, 2018, 144 -150

Šterc, F.; Maričić, D.; Roša, D.: Morphology of coronal hole based on SDO/AIA data in May 2010 – December 2013 // Book of Proceedings, Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, Sofia, Bulgaria: Space Research and Technologies Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2019, 50-56 doi:10.31401/WS.2019

Roša, D.; Šterc, F.; Horvat, M.: Mreža detektora kozmičkog zračenja SEVAN // Zbornik radova 9. simpozija Povijest i filozofija tehnik/ Benčić, Zvonko (ur.). Zagreb: KIKLOS – KRUG KNJIGE d.o.o., 2020, 149-167

Maričić, D.; Sterc, F.; Dumbović, M.; Roša, D.; Hržina, D.; Romštajn, I.: Isolated Earth-Impacting Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections and corresponding Galactic Cosmic Ray Flux Variations // Book of Proceedings, XVIIth Hvar Astrophysical Colloquium, online, 2021, 1-1

Roša, D.; Šterc, F.: Croatian activities in Space Weather and Solar physics // Online ISWI Regional Group meeting; 19. 02. 2021.

Roša, D., Hržina, D., Husak, M., Brajša, R., Špoljarić, D., Skokić, I., Maričić, D., Šterc, F., Romštajn, I.: Determination of the Solar Rotation Elements and Period from Ruđer Bošković’s Sunspot Observations in 1777 // Book of Proceedings, Workshop Thirteenth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere, Primorsko, Bulgaria, 2021, 86-92

Šterc, F.; Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Romštajn I.; Hržina, D.: Galactic Cosmic Ray Variation Caused by Interacting Earth-Impacting Coronal Mass Ejection // Book of Proceedings, 18th European Space Weather Week (ESWW), Zagreb, Hrvatska, 2022

Roša D.; Skokić I.; Hržina D.; Maričić D.; Šterc F.; Romštajn I.; Possible Method for Determining Direction of Motion of Coronal Mass Ejections // Book of Proceedings, Fourteenth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, June, 2023, Primorsko, Bulgaria, 129-132, ISSN 2367–7570, DOI::10.31401//WSoz.2023.abs

 
Participation in professional and scientific conferences

Karlica, M.:, sudjelovao na znanstvenom skupu “Colaboration Magic science meeting”, 16. svibnja 2014., IRB, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Karlica, M.; Dumbović, M.; Vršnak, B.; Hržina, D.; Romštajn, I.: Shock ahead ICMEs analyzed from in situ data // Sixth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”; Meeting of the BBC Regional Network for Space Weather Studies, 26 – 30 May 2014, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria,

Hržina, D.; Roša, D.: Activities on Zagreb Astronomical Observatory // Conference about successes of stellar astronomy, 6 – 8 June, 2014, Bezovec, Slovakia

Roša, D.; Borić, M.: Doprinosi akademika Žarka Dadića na području astronomije // Znanstveni skup povodom 85. godišnjice rođenja akademika Žarka Dadića – Doprinos proučavanju povijesti i filozofije znanosti, 30. listopada 2015., Zagreb, Hrvatska

Vujnović, V.; Roša, J.; Roša, D.: Zemljino magnetsko polje sve slabije štiti od kozmičkog zračenja // XVII. lošinjska škola/akademija prirodnih ljekovitih činitelja i lječilišne medicine, “Prevencijom do zdravlja i vitalnosti”, 2. – 3. rujna 2016., Veli Lošinj, Hrvatska

Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Karlica, D.: On the relationship between Earth directed interplanetary coronal mass ejection and magnetic clouds // XIVth Hvar Astrophysical Colloquium, Solar and Solar-Terrestrial Physics: Now and in the Future, 26 – 30 September 2016, Hvar, Croatia

Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Karlica, M.: Heliospheric Observation of Earth – Directed Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection in 2008 – 2014 // Ninth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, 30 May – 3 June 2017, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Roša, D.: The role of 1-m class telescopes now and in the future // 45 years of Hvar Observatory and 20 years of ACT, 17 – 20 October 2017, Hvar, Croatia

Šterc, F.: sudjelovao na 2nd International Doctoral Seminar on Geodesy Geoinformatics and Geospace, 08. – 11. svibnja 2018., Dubrovnik, Hrvatska

Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Šterc, F.; Karlica, M.: Morphology and Geomagnetic Effects of Corotating Interaction Regions in 2008 – 2014 // Tenth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, 4 – 8 June 2018, Primorsko, Bulgaria

Šterc, F.; Roša, D.; Maričić, D.; Hržina, D.; Romštajn I.; Chilingarian, A.; Karapetyan, T.; Cafuta, D.; Horvat, M.: SEVAN particle detector at Zagreb Astronomical Observatory: 10 years of operation // Tenth Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, 4 – 8 June 2018, Primorsko, Bulgaria

od 6. do 8. prosinca 2018. u prostorijama Zvjezdarnice održana je trodnevna znanstvena radionica „Austrijsko-Hrvatska znanstvena radionica: Fizika Sunca i heliosfere“. Radionica je održana u sklopu bilateralnog austrijsko-hrvatskog projekta “Development of the Drag-Based-Ensemble Model for studies on the propagation of solar storms (DBEM)” u kojem sudjeluju Opservatorij Hvar Geodetskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu te Institut za fiziku Sveučilišta u Grazu a pod pokroviteljstvom Hrvatskog astronomskog društva i Zvjezdarnice. U radionici je sudjelovalo 26 znanstvenika te studenata sa Sveučilišta u Grazu, Opservatorija Hvar, Prirodoslovno-matematičkog fakulteta u Zagrebu, Skolkovo instituta za znanost i tehnologiju te Zvjezdarnice. Predstavljeno je niz aktualnih tema iz područja fizike Sunca te heliosfere, a koje su kroz diskusiju te fokusirane „hands-on“ aktivnosti dodatno razrađene. Radionica je zaključena dogovorima o budućoj znanstvenoj suradnji na razrađenim temama te planiranju sljedeće radionice tog tipa u Grazu 2019. godine.
Od strane Zvjezdarnice priopćenje „Earth directed ICMEs analyzed from in situ data“ je dao Darije Maričić.

11. ožujka 2019. Skup na Geodetskom fakultetu povodom posjete delegacije ESA u organizaciji MZO (sudjelovali F. Šterc i D. Roša)

Maričić, D.; Šterc F.; Roša D.: Morphology of Coronal Hole and Solar Wind Prediction Based on SDO/AIA Data in 2008-2014 // Eleventh Workshop “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere”, 3 – 7 June 2019, Primorsko, Bulgaria

Roša D.; Maričić, D.; Šterc F.: VarSITI Closing Symposium, sudionici su sudjelovali na sastanaku s predsjednikom SCOSTEP-a (Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics) Natom Gopalswamyjem u vezi uključenja Hrvatske u projekt SCOSTEP, 10 – 14 June 2019, Sofija, Bulgaria

Roša, D.; Šterc, F.; Horvat, M.: Mreža detektora kozmičkog zračenja SEVAN // Deveti simpozij “Povijest i filozofija tehnike”, 24 – 26 November 2019, Zagreb, Croatia

Roša, D.; Šterc, F.; Horvat, M.: Izlaganje rada (F. Šterc): Mreža detektora kozmičkog zračenja SEVAN // 9. SIMPOZIJ POVIJEST I FILOZOFIJA TEHNIKE; 24. – 26. studenog 2020.; Zagreb, Hrvatska

Maričić, D.; Šterc, F.: sudjelovali (online) na informativnom danu u organizaciji Ministarstva znanosti i obrazovanja i Europske svemirske agencije (ESA); 30. studenog 2020.; Zagreb, Hrvatska

Hržina, D.: sudjelovao na internetskoj konferenciji // 2nd SHAW – IAU workshop on astronomy for education; 06.- 09. listopada 2020.

3. veljače 2020. Hrvatska je postala članica SCOSTEP-a (Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics).

Listopad 2020. Izašao SCOSTEP/PRESTO Newsletter Vol. 25 u kojem se nalazi članak o znanstvenim aktivnostima koja se provode u Hrvatskoj u sklopu projekta SCOSTEP.

9. veljače 2021. Dragan Roša i Filip Šterc sudjelovali na Online ISWI Regional Group meeting s priopćenjem: Croatian activities in Space Weather and Solar physics

09. rujna 2021. Hibridni skup “An ESA information day in Croatia” u organizaciji Ministarstva znanosti i obrazovanja RH, Darije Maričić

Roša, D.; Hržina, D.; Husak, M.; Brajša, R.; Špoljarić, D.; Skokić, I.; Maričić, D.; Šterc, F.: Determination of the Solar Rotation Elements and Period from Ruđer Bošković`s Sunspot Observations in 1777 // Workshop Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere, online, 13 – 17 September 2021, Primorsko, Bulgaria

Maričić, D.; Šterc, F.; Dumbovic, M.; Roša, D.; Hržina, D.; Romštajn, I.: Isolated Earth-Impacting Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections and corresponding Galactic Cosmic Ray Flux Variation // XVIIth Hvar Astrophysical Colloquium – “The Sun and Heliosphere”, 20 – 24 September 2021, Hvar, Croatia

Maričić, D.; Šterc, F.; Dumbović, M.; Belov, A.; Roša, D.; Hržina D.; Romštajn, I.: Galactic Cosmic Ray Variation Caused by Different Structural Elements of Isolated Earth-Impacting Coronal Mass Ejection // Advent workshop, online, 20 – 21 December 2021, Graz, Austria

Šterc, F.; Maričić, D.; Roša, D.; Romštajn I.; Hržina, D.: Galactic Cosmic Ray Variation Caused by Interacting Earth-Impacting Coronal Mass Ejection // 18th European Space Weather Week (ESWW), 24 – 28 October 2022, Zagreb, Croatia

12. mjesec 2022 – Uključenje u projekt “Modeling Terrestrial and Space Weather and Building Climate Research Awareness through a Global Deployment of Cosmic Ray Muon Detector Network”, kojeg vodi tim dr. Xiaochuna Hea iz Atlante i priprema aplikacije.

05. – 09. 06. Sudjelovanje na konferenciji: Solar influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere, 5-9 June, 2023, Primorsko, Bulgaria

12. – 15. 09. Sudjelovanje na konferenciji: The fifth Meeting on Astrophysical Spectroscopy will be held from September 12 to 15, 2023 at Palić, Serbia. Special Session: Astronomy and Earth Observations: multi-instrumental approach and theory. Pozvano predavanje: Darije Maričić, Filip Šterc, Anatoly Belov, Dragan Roša, Damir Hržina, Ivan Romštajn, “Galactic Cosmic Ray Variation Caused by Different Structural Elements of Isolated Earth-Impacting Coronal Mass Ejection”.