From Sky to Science: Time Domain Astronomy with the ILMT Survey

Abstract

The PyLMT transient detection pipeline has been operational since November 2023 and has detected $\sim$10,000 transients and variable objects in ILMT images in near real time. The survey has enabled the discovery and characterisation of a range of bright and faint optical transients. The detected population spans a broad diversity of astrophysical phenomena, including supernovae, variable stars, active galactic nuclei (AGN) variability, and Solar System objects such as asteroids and comets. We provide a concise overview of the detection of a variety of transient and variable classes identified with the ILMT, emphasising the survey's potential contributions to a broad class of astrophysical sources. We highlight representative science cases, including supernovae, AGNs, variable stars, and asteroids, to demonstrate the scientific potential of the ILMT survey.

arXiv comment8 pages, 2 figures, Accepted for publication in Bulletin de la Société Royale des Sciences de Liège as a part of BINA 4 proceedings