Radio Followup of MultiWavelength Transients

Ashley Zauderer (Harvard)

Radio Followup of MultiWavelength Transients

Currently, hundreds of transients are being discovered nightly from a broad range of facilities spanning the entire wavelength regime, with thousands expected in the LSST era, including the potential for non-EM transients. From dedicated optical surveys with regular cadences (e.g. PanSTARRs and the Palomar Transient Factory) and space-based instruments (e.g. GALEX) to high-energy satellites (e.g. Swift, Fermi) and high energy ground-based facilities (e.g. IPN, Veritas), a zoo of astronomical sources have been discovered including all types of supernovae, novae, gamma-ray bursts, tidal disruption flares, and exotic objects which do not neatly fit into any current category. I will briefly summarize the major multi-wavelength facilities which currently are used as triggers for radio observations, discussing the current challenges and limitations. I will highlight the unique information that radio observations can provide for the various types of transients. I will conclude with a discussion of the currently scheduled upgrades to radio facilities, and discuss the challenges for radio astronomy observatories to keep up pace in the LSST era, maximizing the unique contributions that radio astronomy can provide to the driving science questions.

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.