Projects / Programmes
Astrophysics of Transients in the Era of AllSky Surveys
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.03 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
Astronomy |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P007 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Astronomy |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
astronomy, astrophysics, gamma ray bursts, tidal disruption events, black holes, numerical simulations, telescopes, satellites
Researchers (12)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Modern wide-field-of-view and all-sky satellites (e.g. Swift, Gaia) and ground based surveys (with optical telescopes) cover a large part of the sky and are daily detecting new, transient sources of electro-magnetic radiation in the sky. In the last year a new window to observe the Universe and detect transient events opened with the LIGO's detection of gravitational waves from merging binary black holes. While some transients are easily identified (e.g. supernovae) and well studied, others are observationally much more challenging due to their very short duration and are consequently not well understood.
In this project we propose to study three types of transients: Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs), Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) and Gravitational Wave Transients (GWTs). In contrast to GRBs, which have been extensively studied in recent years, the latter two types are observationally new fields of research, which are just beginning to rapidly evolve. In all these fields there are many open questions connected with the origin and mechanisms of these extremely energetic events, produced in the strong gravitational field of compact objects (i.e. neutron stars or black holes), therefore connecting various areas from high-energy physics and general relativity to stellar evolution and stellar dynamics in central parts of galaxies.
As members of several international collaborations we receive transient alerts from satellites (e.g. Swift, Gaia) and ground-based facilities (e.g. Palomar Transient Factory, LIGO-Virgo). In this project we will use a network of world-class robotic telescopes located around the globe to make follow-up observations of above-mentioned types of transients.
The optical data obtained will be used in combination with data (available publicly or through collaborations) in different wavelength regimes to build a multi-wavelength picture of transient events and to establish their astrophysical nature and properties. We will analyze and model observations with existing and new theoretical models. In the case of TDEs, we plan to develop advanced simulation methods and codes in collaboration with world-leading experts in astrophysical relativistic-magneto-hydrodynamics. Therefore, we will combine observational and theoretical approach. As there are only about 25 TDEs candidates known any additional discovery will be an extremely important asset for this young and developing field. In addition, studying TDEs over range of different galaxies may shed light on population of so called dormant black holes in centres of non-active galaxies, which constitute the large majority of galaxies in the Universe.
Since there has been only one detection of an orphan afterglow so far, any additional and firm detection of an orphan GRB afterglow would be the ultimate proof of the collimation of the GRBs explosions with key importance for validation of our picture of GRBs and their energetics.
In case of GWTs, with so far 2 GW detections and 1 candidate in the first year of the Advanced LIGO observatory we are witnessing the birth of gravitational wave astronomy. With more observations by the LIGO and new gravitational waves observatories coming online soon (e.g. Virgo) we can expect tens to hundreds new gravitational wave events detected in coming years. Search of their electromagnetic counterparts is of paramount importance in pinpointing their location, studying their nature, environment and physical processes involved.
This project will therefore significantly contribute to our understanding in different rapidly evolving and highly relevant astrophysical areas. Experience gained during this project will be very helpful also in preparations for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (which Slovenia recently joined), as it may give important input on the transient observations specifics such as the best cadence of observations, strategy of follow-up observations adopted, and classification methods in the future sky-surveys.
Significance for science
As each transient event is unique, its detection will bring new, original insight in the properties of its class. In constructing a multi-wavelength picture, all contributions, including optical observations, are important, sometimes even crucial.
Our project promises to bring new results on TDEs, GRBs, GWTs and even serendipitous discovery of possible new types of transients, therefore opening of new lines of research.
As there are only about 25 of TDEs candidates and only one detection of an orphan afterglow, any additional discovery will be an extremely important asset for these young and developing fields. Detailed study of several tens individual TDEs would bring ground-breaking advancement. In addition, studying TDEs over range of different galaxies may shed light on massive black hole population in centres of galaxies.
Detection of an orphan GRB afterglow would be the ultimate proof of the collimation of the GRBs explosions with paramount importance for validation of our picture of GRBs and their energetics. Robotic Liverpool Telescope's sample of early optical afterglow observations, in particular polarimetric, is a unique set of data, from which original scientific findings can be made, as evidenced by the high polarisation degree measured in GRB120308 (Mundell et al. incl. Gomboc, Nature, 2013.) which tells us about the role of magnetic field in these events.
With the young observational age of GWTs our observations promise to bring original contribution. In particular, identification of an electro-magnetic counterpart would have crucial impact on future directions in research of GWTs.
The project is relevant from the scientific point of view because it will bring new fundamental knowledge and better understanding of the most energetic astrophysical transients. It has the potential to significantly contribute to our understanding in different astrophysical areas: relativistic explosions in strong gravitational field, highest-energy events in the Universe, end stages of stellar evolution, population of massive black holes in galactic centres, and transient sky in general.
Experience gained during this project will be very helpful for preparation for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (anticipated to achieve the first light toward the end of this project) as it may give important input on the best cadence of observations, strategy of follow-up observations adopted, and classification methods in the future sky-surveys.
Significance for the country
The proposed research is in basic science and does not have a direct impact on the economy.
Research in astronomy and its promotion (e.g. through the web portal Portal v vesolje and astronomy competition, which we both lead) do have direct impact on the society, its understanding of the Universe and its attitude towards natural sciences and technology. In addition, investigation of the Universe enhances the social awareness about how crucial for high-technology development of Slovenia is also that Slovenia becomes one of the full member states of the European Space Agency ESA.
Most important scientific results
Interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report,
final report
