GoLP researchers secure 30 million core hours on MareNostrum 5
The project Realistic Simulations of Relativistic Plasmas in Astrophysical and Laboratory Environments, led by GoLP researchers Thales Silva and Pablo Bilbao, has been awarded 30 million CPU core hours on the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer through the Rede Nacional de Computação Avançada. This allocation will support cutting-edge research into the behavior of relativistic plasmas under extreme conditions, with applications to both astrophysical phenomena and laboratory experiments.
Relativistic plasmas, commonly found near compact astrophysical objects such as pulsars and magnetars, play a central role in producing coherent radiation and mediating the interaction of particles with intense magnetic fields. These processes are critical to understanding phenomena like Fast Radio Bursts and pulsar emissions. The awarded resources will also aid in studying similar dynamics in high-intensity laser-plasma experiments, enabling controlled investigations of these extreme conditions in the laboratory.
This project integrates astrophysical theory, computational modeling, and experimental design to address key challenges in plasma physics. By leveraging high-performance computing on one of Europe’s most advanced supercomputers, it aims to bridge the gap between natural astrophysical processes and experimental studies, advancing understanding across both domains.
