Scheduling in Targeted Transient Surveys and a New Telescope for CHASE

Francisco Förster,G Pignata,José Maza,Petr Kubánek,Nicolás López

doi:10.1155/2010/107569

Francisco Förster, G Pignata + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/107569

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Abstract

We present a method for scheduling observations in small field‐of‐view transient targeted surveys. The method is based on maximizing the probability of detection of transient events of a given type and age since occurrence; it requires knowledge of the time since the last observation for every observed field, the expected light curve of the event, and the expected rate of events in the fields where the search is performed. In order to test this scheduling strategy we use a modified version of the genetic scheduler developed for the telescope control system RTS2. In particular, we present example schedules designed for a future 50 cm telescope that will expand the capabilities of the CHASE survey, which aims to detect young supernova events in nearby galaxies. We also include a brief description of the telescope and the status of the project, which is expected to enter a commissioning phase in 2010.

Highlights

With a new generation of observatories dedicated to studying the time domain in astronomy [1,2,3,4], our understanding of astrophysical transient phenomena will be significantly improved
The smaller robotic telescopes are ideal for studying very short-lived transients, for example, gamma ray bursts (GRBs), and for doing detailed follow up studies of longer lived galactic and extragalactic transient events. They constitute a relatively inexpensive tool to obtain reduced cadences, of the order of days, in relatively small areas of the sky which are of special interest, for example, nearby galaxies
We present a scheduling strategy that maximizes the probability of finding specific types of transient phenomena, or the expected number of events, at different times since occurrence

Summary

Introduction

With a new generation of observatories dedicated to studying the time domain in astronomy [1,2,3,4], our understanding of astrophysical transient phenomena will be significantly improved. The diversity of known families of transient events will be better understood thanks to improved sample sizes and better data, and new types of transient events will be likely discovered These observatories will include large field-ofview, large aperture telescopes, which will scan the sky in a relatively orderly fashion, and networks of small field-ofview, small aperture robotic telescopes that will scan smaller areas of the sky in a less predictable way. The smaller robotic telescopes are ideal for studying very short-lived transients, for example, gamma ray bursts (GRBs), and for doing detailed follow up studies of longer lived galactic (e.g., cataclysmic variables, planetary systems) and extragalactic (e.g., supernovae) transient events They constitute a relatively inexpensive tool to obtain reduced cadences, of the order of days, in relatively small areas of the sky which are of special interest, for example, nearby galaxies.

Detection Probabilities of Transient Events

Results and Discussion

Application to the New 50 cm Robotic Telescope for CHASE