Observations of Optical and Infrared Counterparts of High Energy Transients

AST 0407063 PI Bailyn这是一个观测一类引人注目的天体的计划，软X射线瞬变系统，由黑洞或中子星星吸积来自类似太阳的伴星星星的物质组成。吸积是间歇性的，X射线（发射的大部分能量）的短暂强烈爆发与长时间的静止行为交替发生。通过结合静止阶段和爆发的观测，并通过研究高能辐射旁边的光学和红外辐射，人们可以创建一个更完整和详细的图片，这些显着的来源和奇异的物理效应发生在他们身上。如果没有这种互补的地面光学/红外观测，来自NASA高能观测站的数据就无法得到充分的解释。更广泛的影响。该项目是中小孔径研究望远镜系统的关键项目之一，主要研究者是该联合体的首席科学家。该小组在Cerro Tololo Interamerican天文台的南半球提供仪器齐全的1 m级望远镜，通过向国家光学天文台提出建议，所有美国天文学家都可以使用。所获得的数据形成了本科生研究项目的理想基础，该计划为本科生提供了许多进行一线研究的机会。目前正在继续开展工作，创建基于网络的公共外联工具和在线课程，向公众通报项目成果。

AST 0407063PI BailynThis is a program of observations of a remarkable class of celestial objects, the Soft X-ray Transient systems, consisting of a black hole or neutron star accreting matter from a Sun-like companion star. The accretion is episodic, with short intense outbursts of X-rays (the bulk of the emitted energy) alternating with long stretches of quiescent behavior. By combining observations of quiescence phases and of the outbursts, and by studying the optical and infrared radiation alongside the high energy radiation, one can create a more complete and detailed picture of these remarkable sources and the exotic physical effects that take place in them. Without such complementary ground-based optical/infrared observations, the data from NASA's fleet of high-energy observatories cannot be adequately interpreted. Broader Impacts. This project is one of the key programs in the Small and Moderate Aperture Research Telescope System, and the Principal Investigator is the Principal Scientist of this consortium. The group provides well-instrumented 1m-class telescopes in the southern hemisphere at the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory that are available to all US astronomers through proposals to the National Optical Astronomy Observatories. Data of the kind obtained forms an ideal basis for undergraduate research projects, and this program provides many opportunities for undergraduates to carryout front-line research. There is continuing work in creating web-based public outreach tools and on-line courses to inform the public of project results.