New Publication

Temperature at Roque de los Muchachos rose 1.1 ºC in 20 years, twice as much as predicted by climate models

October 31, 2024

Gamma-ray Group

The meteorological data recorded over the past two decades by sensors of the Roque de los Muchachos astronomical observatory facilities point to a rise of 1.1 ºC in the average temperature. The analysis shows more than double the increase predicted by climate models for the same area, and even more than expected for the next 20 years.

Researchers analyzed 20 years of weather data from the MAGIC telescopes at the CTAO-North site, revealing a 1.1ºC temperature rise—over double the rate predicted by climate models. IFAE researcher Oscar Blanch collaborated in the study, which highlights concerning climate trends impacting observatories worldwide. The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring climate changes at remote scientific facilities.

Detailed analysis of local climate at the CTAO-North site on La Palma from 20 yr of MAGIC weather station data , M. Gaug , A. Longo, S. Bianchi, L. Font, S. Almirante et al., Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Volume 534, Issue 3, November 2024, Pages 2344–2377

The MAGIC Telescopes

Latest Group News

New Member

New member in the Gamma-ray group

February 7, 2025

Giacomo D’Amico has joined the Gamma-ray group as a Postdoctoral Researcher

New Member

New member in the Gamma-ray group

January 15, 2025

Sergio Rodriguez has joined the Gamma-ray group as a PhD student

Milestone

The CTAO Becomes a European Research Infrastructure Consortium

January 8, 2025

On January 7, 2025, the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) was officially recognized as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) by the European Commission.