Searches for new micro-quasars in the Galaxy

该项目将利用Global Jet Watch的微型摄像机收集的大量光曲线，这些摄像机在其主流光谱数据收集发生的同时，在不同的过滤器中提供连续的图像（在一侧具有几度的视野）。将对所有图像进行天体测量配准，并通过整个视场的差分光度测定法对光变曲线进行校准，将采用现代数字信号处理技术来评估所有光源的可变性。我们正在特别寻找微类星体的特征，如原型SS433。所有显示出这种特征的候选者都将通过主要的全球喷气观测望远镜上的光谱学进行跟踪，以确认或反驳它们作为新发现的微类星体的身份。以前发现的微类星体都是偶然发现的，而这是一个经过深思熟虑设计的战略方法。这是一种非常新颖的方法，因为使这种策略成为可能的数据流以前没有通过任何其他手段到位。新的微类星体的发现是重要的，因为它们是遥远宇宙中类星体的类似物，但进化得更快，使其背后的天体物理机制能够得到更深入的研究。

This project will make use of the vast numbers of light-curves collected by the Global Jet Watch's commensal cameras that deliver successive images (having fields of view several degrees on a side) in different filters while its mainstream spectroscopic data-gathering takes place. Astrometric registration will be applied to all images, and calibration of the light-curves will take place via differential photometry across the entire fields and modern digital-signal processing techniques will be employed to assess the nature of the variability of all sources. We are particularly looking for the signatures of micro-quasars such as the prototype SS433. All candidates that show hints of such signatures will be followed up via spectroscopy on the main Global Jet Watch telescopes, to confirm or refute their identity as newly discovered micro-quasars. Previous discoveries of micro-quasars have been serendipitous whereas this is a thoughtfully designed strategic methodology. This is a very novel approach because the data streams that make such a strategy possible have not been in place via any other means previously. The discovery of new micro-quasars is important because they are analogues of quasars in the distant universe yet evolve much more rapidly enabling the underlying astrophysical mechanisms that power them to be investigated much more deeply.