Data Challenges as a Tool for Time-domain Astronomy

Abstract

Data challenges are emerging as powerful tools with which to answer fundamental astronomical questions. Time-domain astronomy lends itself to data challenges, particularly in the era of classification and anomaly detection. With improved sensitivity of wide-field surveys in optical and radio wavelengths from surveys like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment, we are entering the large-volume era of transient astronomy. We highlight some recent time-domain challenges, with particular focus on the Photometric LSST Astronomical Time series Classification Challenge, and describe metrics used to evaluate the performance of those entering data challenges.