Results from the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey
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Date
2009
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Abstract
The Catalina Real-time Transient Survey (CRTS) is a collaborative effort between Caltech and LPL that uses data from Catalina Sky Survey's 0.7m Schmidt telescope to search for optical transients. This survey currently covers a total of 26,000 square degrees on the sky between declinations -30 and 70. Observations covering 1200 square degrees are taken 21 nights per lunation and reach magnitudes of 19 to 20. CRTS is sensitive to transients with timescales from minutes to years since images are taken in sequences separated by 10 minutes and past observations date back over four years. Transient classification is performed using follow up imaging and spectroscopy in combination with VO-enabled archival analysis of CSS and Palomar Quest synoptic datasets and DSS, 2MASS, SDSS, GALEX and UKIDSS surveys. To date more than 600 unique transients have been identified by CRTS. These include more than 200 newly discovered Supernovae, Cataclysmic Variables and Blazars. Initial results of note include in the discovery of hyper-luminous supernovae, as well as a high rate of supernovae associated with intrinsically faint galaxies. In the near future we expect to expand the survey area and depth by utilizing data from two additional operational Catalina Sky Survey telescopes. All CRTS transients are discovered and distributed openly within minutes of observation using VOEvent technology as well as html tables, RSS feeds and GoogleSky (from VOEventNet.org). Astronomers will soon be able to automatically select transients of particular interest by using the personalized event selection available via the SkyAlert system....