Automated follow-up of Transient Alerts with SAAO’s “Intelligent Observatory” program

Project Description:

The South African Astronomical Observatory’s (SAAO) “Intelligent Observatory” (IO) program enables automated transient follow-up using the fully robotic 1-m Lesedi telescope. Integrated with the Observatory Control System (OCS), Lesedi autonomously responds to transient alerts from the Transient Name Server (TNS) using its Mookodi instrument for spectroscopy and photometry. Over 100 alerts have been triggered, but most collected data remain unanalysed. This project aims to assess data quality, determine success rates, and reduce spectra for transient classification reports. The student could possibly contribute to TNS classification reports and gain hands-on experience in time-domain astronomy and automated observation strategies.

Research Area:

Astronomy

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(UCT)(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Python coding skills required