(Group supervisor: Professor Manolis Plionis)

The Astronomical Observations Research Group (AORG) includes graduate and undergraduate students from the section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics of the Physics Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. We study observational techniques and data analysis methods using a variety of astronomical software tools focusing on different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (currently only optical and radio bands). Weekly scheduled meetings ensure that our members stay informed about the newest advances in the different field of observational astronomy. We also collaborate with researchers and students in other universities.

o

Traianou Thalia (BSc student) (Group Coordinator, graduated 2016)	I was born in Florina. I am currently an undergraduate student at the School of Physics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and I intend to complete my studies in 2016. My research interest mainly focuses on active galaxies and the phenomena associated with them. The title of my diploma thesis is “CCD photometric observations of active galactic nuclei and their neighbors in order to detect elements of physical interaction”. For the purposes of this research, I am using the largest optical telescope in Greece (the 2.3m Aristarchos telescope) to observe a selected sample of nearby AGN galaxies and their neighbours using Ha and O[III] narrow band filters, as well as B and R broad band filters. The objective of my diploma thesis is to attempt to identify, through the analysis of these primary data using the IRAF and GAIA software, star forming regions between pairs resulting from their gravitational interactions. My aim is to make an active contribution to the understanding of the universe through research in the field of astrophysics. Accepted directly for a PhD with full scholarship at the University of Bonn
Drigga Eleftheria (BSc student)	I was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. I am an undergraduate student at the Physics Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and I intend to complete my studies in 2016. My ambition is to conduct research in cosmology and astrophysics. I am currently in the process of searching what attracts me the most in these grand topics. Presently I am involved in 2 projects. The first one is my Thesis entitled "Correlation between sources emitting radiowaves and the position of local AGN ". The second one being my participation in the setup of our new 3m radiotelescope at the Observatory of the Aristotle University. At the moment, we are focusing on calibrating the radio-telescope using mainly the Sun as a source. Finally, I wish to continue my academic studies with a Master and I hope that one day I will become an Astrophysicist.
Taouktsoglou Kallinikos (BSc student)	I am currently studying in the Physics Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. I’m planning to complete my studies in the second semester of 2016. I am currently involved in a radio astronomy research project, with a custom-made telescope, where we measure daily sun flux and attempting to detect extrasolar known sources. I’m also interested in cosmology and the structure of the universe. My goal is to complete my studies and actively participate in astronomy and astrophysics research to attempt to understand the Universe.
Angelitsi Sissy (BSc student)	I was born in Larissa. I am currently in my final year at the School of Physics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. My diploma thesis is entitled CCD photometry of Abell galaxy clusters. I have observed about 10 distant Abell galaxy clusters in order to perform all the primary data reduction analysis (bias subtraction, flat fielding, photometric calibration, source extraction) and finally to calculate the luminosity function of the galaxies in each cluster and to compare them. All observations were made using the largest optical telescope in Greece, the 2.3m Aristarchos Telescope and observations were performed using the B and V broad band filters. My aim is to actively participate to the best of my abilities in the understanding of the observable universe.

Papadopoulos Vasilis (BSc student, graduated 2016)

I was born in Drama and I am currently an undergraduate student in the Physics Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki intending to finish my studies in 2016. The title of my undergraduate thesis is Seeing measurements of atmospheric turbulence in Mt. Holomont and possible connection with meteorological data. For this project, I am using the astronomical station on Holomont mountain, which is equipped with all means for observation. After completing my studies I intend to continue on an astrobiology/astrochemistry graduate program.