Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Colloquium: Kilonova Detectability with Wide-Field Instruments
Astrophysical Sciences and Technology Colloquium
Kilonova Detectability with Wide-Field Instruments
Dr. Eve Chase
Postdoctoral Researcher
Intelligence and Space Research Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Abstract:
Kilonovaeare ultraviolet, optical, and infrared transients powered by the radioactive decay of heavy elements following a neutron star merger. Observations of kilonovae, joint with gravitational wave detections, may offer strong constraints on Galactic r-process enrichment, among other astrophysical topics. Unfortunately, kilonovaemission rapidly fades within days to weeks, requiring quick and efficient astronomical follow-up to best capture this dimming thermal glow. In this talk, I will describe the ability of numerous wide field-of-view instruments to detect kilonovae, quantifying the maximum redshift reach of each instrument. I consider a selection of current and upcoming instruments, including ZTF, DECam, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s LSST. These detectability predictions are model-dependent, based on the Los Alamos National Laboratory grid of kilonovamodels which spans a wide range of anticipated kilonovaejecta parameters.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Eve Chase is a postdoctoral researcher in the Intelligence and Space Research Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She completed her PhD in Astronomy in July 2021 from Northwestern University, where she was an active member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. Eve is broadly interested in data science, machine learning, and optimization problems.
Intended Audience:
All are welcome. Those with interest in the topic.
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