Summary of activities
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Group 1 |
Group 2 |
Group 3 |
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Mon |
The Sun |
Galaxies |
Exoplanets |
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Tue |
Galaxies |
Exoplanets |
The Sun |
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Wed |
Supermassive Black Holes / Excursion |
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Thu |
Exoplanets |
The Sun |
Galaxies |
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Fri |
University & Career Day / Feedback / Lunch and departure |
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Slides and code can be found on ThaiPASS'26 GitHub.
Detailed programme
EXOPLANETS: SEARCHING FOR NEW WORLDS
Dimitris Stamatellos and George Blaylock-Squibbs (University of Lancashire)
Abstract: We will introduce students to exoplanet detection methods and discuss planet formation theories. Topics include:
- Exoplanet detection methods (direct imaging, transits, radial velocities, microlensing)
- Properties of observed exoplanets
- Requirements for a planet to be habitable
- Planet-formation theories
- Recent results from the James Webb Space Telescope.
Students will work with exoplanet transit data from the Kepler Mission database. Students will plot transit curves and use them to determine whether a planet is in the habitable zone. Students will learn about the main exoplanet detection methods and basic planet formation theories. They will understand more deeply our quest for finding new exoplanets and traces of life outside our Solar System.
THE MARVELS OF OUR SUN
Lauren Doyle and Cam Heather (University of Warwick)
Abstract: We will explore solar physics concepts and how these are applied to other stars. Topics include:
- Big questions in solar physics (e.g. coronal heating)
- Solar and magnetic cycles
- Sunspots, solar flares, coronal mass ejections and prominences
- What does stellar activity look like on other stars and how can we observe it?
We will use real solar and stellar data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). This will involve using Python to manipulate images of the Sun to explore what is happening on its surface and investigating stellar activity in other stars. Students will gain a deeper understanding of solar and stellar
activity and how it can affect planets both in our Solar System and beyond.
EXPLORING GALAXIES WITH MACHINE LEARNING & AI
Claire Cashmore, James Keegans and Misbah Rafique (University of Hull)
Abstract: We will explore galactic and extragalactic astronomy, from large-scale structure of the Universe down to small-scale physics that shape each galaxy. Vast amounts of data are being produced by observations and simulations, and manually analysing Big Data is becoming impossible without machine learning and AI - which will be explored here.
Topics include:
- Galaxies as cosmic building blocks
- Galaxy morphology and evolution
- Overview of machine learning techniques
We will use machine learning (e.g. convolutional neural networks) for galaxy classification. Students will compare real and simulated images of galaxies (e.g. from Illustris) and classify them by type. Students will learn about the physical processes responsible for producing different types of galaxies.
Wednesday session (for all groups):
HOW THE GIANTS GROW: Tracing the evolution of supermassive black holes
Krittapas Chanchaiworawit (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand)
Abstract: Actively accreting supermassive black holes grow rapidly by eating up their surrounding material. They also emit strongly in all frequencies of electromagnetic spectrum. The mass and growth-rate of these so-called active galactic nuclei (AGN) are the subject of this half-day workshop. In this interactive session, we will explore how astronomers spot and observe supermassive black holes in other galaxies as well as how one can measure their growth rates using information contained in AGN spectra.
Friday session (for all groups):
UNIVERSITY AND STEM CAREER DAY
Chavit Uttamachai, Science and Innovation Advisor (British Embassy Bangkok)
Matipon Tangmatitham (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand)
Nicha Leethochawalit (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand)
Thita Dilokthanakul (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand)
Thai professionals from STEM backgrounds will give interactive talks on ways in which STEM subjects can be taken further at university level and as a career.
Day-by-day schedule
Monday schedule:
Registration from 08.30
09.15-09.30 Welcome and introduction (Siri Chongchitnan)
09.30-10.30 First session
10.30-10.45 Coffee break
10.45-12.15 Second session
12.15-13.30 Group photo and buffet lunch
13:30-15:00 Third session
15:00-15:20 Coffee break
15:20-17:00 Final session
Schedule for Tuesday and Thursday
09:00-10:00 First session
10:00-10:15 Coffee break
10:15-12:00 Second session
12:00-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:00 Third session
15:00-15:20 Coffee break
15:20-17:00 Final session
18:00-20:00 (Thursday only) Conference dinner and prize giving
Schedule for Wednesday
09:00-10:00 Supermassive Black Holes first session
10:00-10:15 Coffee break
10:15-12:00 Supermassive Black Holes second session
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-13:30 Depart from Kantary Hills Hotel
13:30-14:00 Assembly in the Andromeda Room & Introduction to NARIT AstroPark
14:00-16:00 AstroPark Facilities Tour
16:00-18:00 Exhibition Tour & Planetarium Show
18:00-19:00 Dinner
19:00-20:30 Stargazing
Schedule for Friday: University and STEM Career Day
09:00-09:30 Career session 1 Dr Matipon Tangmatitham
09:30-10:00 Career session 2 Dr Nicha Leethochawalit
10:00-10:15 Coffee break
10:15-10:45 Career session 3 Ms Thita Dilokthanakul
10:45-11:15 Career session 4 Mr Chavit Uttamachai
11:15 Feedback session and wrap up
12.00 Lunch and departure.
