Speaker
Description
The Latin American Giant Observatory (LAGO) is a collaborative initiative that deploys a network of low-cost, autonomous Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs) across Latin America and Spain. Initially focused on detecting gamma-ray bursts at high-altitude sites, LAGO has evolved into a multidisciplinary platform for astroparticle physics, space weather studies, and environmental monitoring. Its detectors operate from sea level to over 4300 meters above sea level in diverse geomagnetic and atmospheric conditions. The ARTI-MEIGA simulation framework is a key development that models the complete cosmic ray interaction chain and enables site-specific simulations to be integrated into FAIR-compliant workflows. These tools support a range of applications, including muography, radiation dose modelling, and a new method for soil moisture estimation via cosmic neutron detection. Calibration of WCDs is achieved using both Michel electrons from muon decays, and the VEM (Vertical Equivalent Muon) a direct product of the WCD measurement, ensuring robust performance without external instruments. LAGO also plays a significant role in regional education and training through partnerships with ERASMUS+ projects LA-CoNGA and EL-BONGÓ Physics, positioning itself as a hub for research capacity building. New contributions to the collaboration include neutron hydrometry for precision agriculture and space weather monitoring in the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly. LAGO demonstrates how Cherenkov-based detection and open science can drive scientific discovery and practical innovation.
