Transient Detections and Other Real‐Time Data Processing from MASTER‐VWF Wide‐Field Cameras

Abstract

Construction of robotic observatories has developed into an important and thriving fields of astronomy. Their large field of view combined with the capability to be pointed at any direction make robotic astronomical systems indispensable for tasks involving searches for transients like grb, supernovae explosions, novae etc., where both the time and direction of the search are impossible to predict. This paper describes prompt GRB observations made with MASTER-VWF wide-field cameras and the methods of image analysis and classification of transients used for real-time data processing. During seven months of operation six synchronous observations of gamma-ray bursts have been made using MASTER VWF facilities deployed in Kislovodsk and Irkutsk. In all cases high upper limits have been obtained (see Table 4.3 and Fig. 1).

Multiwavelength observations of nova SMCN 2016-10a – one of the brightest novae ever observed

“…These measurements were obtained using the MASTER Very Wide Field (VWF) camera. According to Gorbovskoy et al (2010), the instrumental photometric band of the MASTER VWF camera can be described fairly well by the VTYCHO2 filter and it corresponds to V -band photometry (private communication with E. Gorbovskoy). We will consider these measurements as an approximation of V -band photometry.…”

Master Robotic Net

“…We also plan to continue synchronous observations with very wide-field cameras. Recall that have performed five synchronous observations of gamma-ray error boxes since November 2008 (Gorbovskoy et al, [9]).…”

Robotic optical telescopes global network MASTER II. Equipment, structure, algorithms

“…In summer 2009 the temporary optical tube assembly (Flugge optical system, diameter 280 mm, field 3 × 3 • ) was replaced with a MASTER standard instrument (40 cm Hamilton system twin telescope) which enabled its fullfeatured operation. In parallel, two VWF installations are in operation at the site since 2006 (at the solar station as well) and 2008 (at Caucasus observatory of SAI, see [13]). This node is currently the most western and southern in the network, located also at the highest elevation above the sea level.…”

“…The same cameras 2 are used in a paired standalone VWF installation located in Kislovodsk observatory, one near the solar station and another near the 2.5-m SAI telescope building [9,13].…”