Hidden Explosions

The 2010 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey highlighted time domain astronomy as an area with excellent discovery potential. As at other wavelengths, the radio sky is dynamic, exhibiting variability on timescales from milliseconds to years. Such radio transients often signal explosive events, in some cases probing the highest energy particle populations in the Universe. These diverse phenomena include astrophysical blast waves, catastrophic collapses, compact object mergers accompanied by gravitational waves, magnetic acceleration of relativistic charged particles, shocks in high energy particle jets and magnetized diffuse interstellar plasma, flaring reconnection events in low mass star atmospheres, and the cosmic beacons of rotating neutron stars, white dwarfs, and black hole accretion disks.

While the detection of such events has relied on the synoptic survey capability of wide-field optical, X-ray and gamma-ray observatories, VLASS now also offers the potential to systematically characterize the dynamic sky at radio frequencies, targeting Galactic and extragalactic transient populations. The most numerous radio transients, with the greatest potential impact, belong to populations that are hidden from view at other wavebands, and in some cases are detectable only at radio wavelengths.

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.