Observations of Optical and Infrared Counterparts of High Energy Transients

AST0407063PI Bailyn这是一个对一类非凡的天体进行观测的程序，软X射线瞬变系统，由黑洞或中子星从类似太阳的伴星吸积物质组成。这种吸积是间歇性的，伴随着短而强烈的X射线爆发(发射的大部分能量)和长时间的静止行为。通过结合对静止期和爆发的观测，以及通过研究光学和红外辐射以及高能辐射，人们可以更完整和详细地了解这些非凡的来源以及发生在其中的奇异物理效应。如果没有这种互补的地面光学/红外观测，来自NASA高能天文台的数据无法得到充分解释。更广泛的影响。该项目是中小口径研究望远镜系统的关键项目之一，主要研究人员是该联合体的首席科学家。该小组在南半球的Cerro Tololo美洲天文台提供了仪器齐全的1M级望远镜，所有美国天文学家都可以通过向国家光学天文台提出建议来获得这些望远镜。这类数据构成了本科生研究项目的理想基础，该项目为本科生提供了许多开展一线研究的机会。正在继续开展工作，创建基于网络的公共宣传工具和在线课程，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.