Taiwan Astronomical Research Alliance

Transients in Astrophysics

Transients in astrophysics represent some of the most dynamic and energetic events in the universe, offering unique insights into the life cycles of stars, the nature of compact objects, and the evolution of galaxies. These phenomena, such as supernovae, kilonovae, gamma-ray bursts, tidal disruption events and fast radio bursts, are characterised by their short-lived and unpredictable nature. Advances in wide-field surveys and rapid follow-up capabilities, such as those enabled by instruments like Pan-STARRS, ATLAS, ZTF, and ePESSTO+ etc, have opened a new era of discovery, significantly expanding our understanding of the transient universe. However, challenges remain. The increasing volume of data requires sophisticated machine learning algorithms for real-time classification, a need that will become even more pressing in the upcoming LSST era. Furthermore, understanding the underlying physical mechanisms often requires multi-wavelength (from gamma-ray to radio) and even multi-messenger observations (combining electromagnetic signals with gravitational waves or neutrinos) and coordinated efforts across observatories worldwide. The future of transient astrophysics lies in maximising the synergy between next-generation facilities and international collaborations. In this evolving landscape, TARA is poised to play a leading role, driving both innovation and discovery in this exciting and rapidly advancing field.

Transient

Phase-luminosity diagram shows a variety of transients, along with their characteristic timescales and peak luminosities. Imgae Credit: Jeff Cooke/Swinburne University of Technology