About LAC-UNIFEI
About LAC-UNIFEI
The Laboratório de Astrofísica Computacional (LAC) is a multi-user research facility housed within the Institute of Physics and Chemistry (IFQ) at the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI). Our primary mission is to advance the frontiers of astrophysics through high-performance numerical modeling and advanced data analysis while training the next generation of highly qualified researchers. As a core computational hub for UNIFEI’s Graduate Program in Physics (PGF), the LAC fosters a collaborative environment for faculty, students, and partners from major research centers, including the Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica (LNA).
The LAC began to take shape in 2010 with the acquisition of its first specialized workstations through research projects funded by FAPEMIG and CNPq, led by Professors Wilton Dias and Hektor Monteiro. These early investments provided a critical boost to the university's astrophysics group, establishing it as an international reference in galactic structure and nebular studies. A major milestone was reached in late 2014 with the acquisition of the Giskard cluster, which became operational in early 2015. Today, our facility features a climate-controlled environment housing the Giskard cluster, providing over 360 CPUs and more than 500 GB of RAM for complex scientific simulations.
Galactic Structure and the Gaia Era
The LAC is at the forefront of mapping the Milky Way by utilizing high-precision astrometric data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission. Our researchers employ advanced machine learning techniques, such as the HDBSCAN algorithm, to systematically study known and search for previously unknown open clusters. By analyzing membership probabilities and performing precise isochrone fitting, we use these clusters as "probes" to understand the dynamical and chemical evolution of the Galactic disk. Recent efforts have led to the discovery of new open clusters and the refinement of parameters for thousands of known stellar groups.
Stellar Evolution and Planetary Nebulae
Our laboratory conducts high-impact research into the final stages of stellar life, specifically the mass-loss processes that create planetary nebulae. By integrating observational data from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), we develop sophisticated photoionization models to study how multiple stellar systems shape these nebular structures. Recent breakthroughs include the first precise location of the extremely hot central star in the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302) and detailed spatial chemical analysis of the nebula NGC 3132.
Galactic Chemical Evolution and the Bulge
A significant pillar of our research involves tracing the chemical history of galaxies. Led by Professor Oscar Cavichia, this research line focuses on the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and the chemical evolution of the Milky Way and other spiral galaxies. Key projects include investigating the "bulge-disk connection" and analyzing internal radial gradients of chemical abundances using data from the CALIFA survey. By developing multizone chemical evolution models, our team predicts abundance distributions that provide vital clues about how galactic structures formed and evolved over cosmic time.