SCEECS Summer School in Mexico

From July 27 to August 7, 2026, the Institute of Astronomy of UNAM in Ensenada, Baja California, became a gathering place for graduate students and scientists brought together by a shared curiosity about the extreme plasmas surrounding black holes and neutron stars. The cohort consisted of 34 master’s and PhD students from 15 countries, including Mexico. Local students from the Institute of Astronomy in Ensenada were also invited to attend the lectures. Over two weeks, early-career researchers learned alongside experts in plasma physics, physics of fusion devices, relativistic astrophysics and high-energy astrophysics, exploring the theoretical foundations and observational manifestations of some of the most extreme environments in the Universe.

A distinctive feature of this edition was the effort to build a direct bridge between theory and observation. The 34 students spent two days at the National Astronomical Observatory of Mexico (OAN) in San Pedro Mártir, where they visited the 1.5- and 2-meter telescopes, as well as COLIBRÍ, the 1.3-meter robotic telescope. There, they discussed observational techniques and the challenges of turning theoretical ideas into measurable signals, connecting the physical objects and processes studied in the lectures with the instruments used to observe them. During their first night at the observatory, the students also had the opportunity to observe the night sky with a small telescope, providing them with hands-on experience of astronomical observing.

The school brought together researchers working on a broad range of topics, from turbulence, kinetic theory, magnetic reconnection, and particle acceleration to accretion and relativistic jets from black holes, neutron-star magnetospheres, cosmic rays, and fast radio bursts. This diversity created an environment in which theory, simulations, and observations could meet, complement one another, and open new perspectives for understanding the most extreme astrophysical phenomena.

The observatory visit was locally organized by Dr. Noémie Globus, Dr. Alan M. Watson, and Dr. Leonardo García García. In addition, Leonardo García García organized a poster session for the students, giving them the opportunity to present and discuss their research. 

We thank the Director and administration of the Institute of Astronomy of the UNAM, in particular our LOC member María Eugenia García, as well as the Direction and staff of the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional at Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, as well as Courtney Desisto and David Stricker at Stanford University for making this such a great experience for our students.