From a Network to a Networking: The Evolution of the Latin American Giant Observatory

TL;DR

The paper documents the evolution of the Latin American Giant Observatory (LAGO) from a targeted high-altitude gamma-ray-burst program to a distributed, multi-disciplinary network spanning Latin America and Europe. It highlights a cohesive stack of innovations—autonomous Water Cherenkov Detectors, the ARTI-MEIGA simulation framework, edge computing, and FAIR-compliant data workflows—that enable site-specific studies in astroparticle physics, space weather, and environmental monitoring. Key contributions include saline-enhanced neutron detection, a PMT-to-SiPM transition for robust, appliance-like detectors, and muography applications ranging from volcanology to industrial diagnostics, all supported by ERASMUS+ CBHE capacity-building partnerships. Collectively, LAGO demonstrates that an open, low-cost detector network can deliver cutting-edge science while advancing education, environmental monitoring, and societal impact across diverse regions.

Abstract

The Latin American Giant Observatory (LAGO) is a collaborative initiative that deploys a network of low-cost, autonomous Water Cherenkov Detectors across Latin America and Spain. Initially focused on detecting gamma-ray bursts at high-altitude sites, LAGO has evolved into a multidisciplinary forum for astroparticle physics, space weather studies, and environmental monitoring. Its detectors operate from sea level to over 4300 meters above sea level (m a.s.l.) in diverse geomagnetic and atmospheric conditions. The ARTI-MEIGA simulation framework is a key development that models the entire cosmic-ray interaction chain, enabling site-specific simulations to be integrated into FAIR-compliant workflows. LAGO also plays a significant role in regional education and training through partnerships with ERASMUS+ projects, positioning itself as a hub for research capacity building. New contributions emerging from the collaboration include volcano muography, 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.