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- Coughlin, Michael W., et al.
(författare)
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GROWTH on S190425z : Searching Thousands of Square Degrees to Identify an Optical or Infrared Counterpart to a Binary Neutron Star Merger with the Zwicky Transient Facility and Palomar Gattini-IR
- 2019
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Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - : American Astronomical Society. - 2041-8205 .- 2041-8213. ; 885:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The third observing run by LVC has brought the discovery of many compact binary coalescences. Following the detection of the first binary neutron star merger in this run (LIGO/Virgo S190425z), we performed a dedicated follow-up campaign with the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and Palomar Gattini-IR telescopes. The initial skymap of this single-detector gravitational wave (GW) trigger spanned most of the sky observable from Palomar Observatory. Covering 8000 deg(2) of the initial skymap over the next two nights, corresponding to 46% integrated probability, ZTF system achieved a depth of 21 m(AB) in g- and r-bands. Palomar Gattini-IR covered 2200 square degrees in J-band to a depth of 15.5 mag, including 32% integrated probability based on the initial skymap. The revised skymap issued the following day reduced these numbers to 21% for the ZTF and 19% for Palomar Gattini-IR. We narrowed 338,646 ZTF transient ?alerts? over the first two nights of observations to 15 candidate counterparts. Two candidates, ZTF19aarykkb and ZTF19aarzaod, were particularly compelling given that their location, distance, and age were consistent with the GW event, and their early optical light curves were photometrically consistent with that of kilonovae. These two candidates were spectroscopically classified as young core-collapse supernovae. The remaining candidates were ruled out as supernovae. Palomar Gattini-IR did not identify any viable candidates with multiple detections only after merger time. We demonstrate that even with single-detector GW events localized to thousands of square degrees, systematic kilonova discovery is feasible.
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| 2. |
- Hansen, Jonah T., et al.
(författare)
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Pyxis : a ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry
- 2023
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Ingår i: JOURNAL OF ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS. - : SPIE - The International Society for Optics and Photonics. - 2329-4124 .- 2329-4221. ; 9:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the past few years, there has been a resurgence in studies of space-based optical/ infrared interferometry, particularly with the vision to use the technique to discover and characterize temperate Earth-like exoplanets around solar analogs. One of the key technological leaps needed to make such a mission feasible is demonstrating that formation flying precision at the level needed for interferometry is possible. Here, we present Pyxis, a ground-based demonstrator for a future small satellite mission with the aim to demonstrate the precision metrology needed for spacebased interferometry. We describe the science potential of such a ground-based instrument and detail the various subsystems: three six-axis robots, a multi-stage metrology system, an integrated optics beam combiner, and the control systems required for the necessary precision and stability. We conclude by looking toward the next stage of Pyxis: a collection of small satellites in Earth orbit.
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| 3. |
- Hansen, Jonah T., et al.
(författare)
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The Pyxis Interferometer (I) : Scientific Context, Metrology System and Optical Design
- 2022
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Ingår i: Optical and infrared interferometry and imaging VIII. - : SPIE - International Society for Optical Engineering. - 9781510653481 - 9781510653474
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Optical interferometry from space is arguably the most exciting prospect for high angular resolution astrophysics; including the analysis of exoplanet atmospheres. This was highlighted in the recent ESA Voyage 2050 plan, which pointed out the exciting potential of this technology, but also indicated the critical need for technological demonstrators. Here we present the Pyxis interferometer; a ground-based pathfinder for a CubeSat space interferometer, currently being built at Mt Stromlo Observatory. We outline its technological and scientific potential as the only visible wavelength interferometer in the Southern Hemisphere, and the optical systems designed to provide CubeSat compatible metrology for formation flying.
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