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ethrane / transients

Discussion for the Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics Group (1.3)
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Australian Access to ESO/VLT #12

Open bersavosh opened 3 months ago

bersavosh commented 3 months ago

Access to an 8-meter class optical/infrared facility for deep explorations is a crucial component to reveal the underlying nature of transient phenomena. Over the past few years, Australian astronomers have had access to VLT, which has uniquely enabled exploration of transient phenomena and/or their environment. This includes (in no particular order) SN studies, NSNS merger follow-ups, accreting systems, FRB host galaxies, pulsating WD systems, TDEs, AGN flares, among other transient-related topics, with published works led by or involving Australians.

Maintaining this access might be of importance to the transient science in Australia.

bersavosh commented 3 months ago

I would also note that Australia has existing investment in a 30-meter class telescope (GMT), which may be operational early/mid 2030(?). So until that happens, an 8-meter class is crucial. Probably worth thinking about whether GMT is a facility to indicate by this working group but I have very limited knowledge of that facility and leave that to others.

ethrane commented 3 months ago

I agree this is a priority.

cwjames1983 commented 3 months ago

For me, access to a 30m class instrument (or space-based optical - essentially, anything that lets us see small galaxies at z= 1-3, which currently VLT does not) is important; but larger amounts of time on 8m class instruments will remain important for a greater volume of galaxy studies in the meantime. So in short, it's both being important.