Astronomy & Astrophysics Seminar: ULTRASAT: Revolutionizing our view of the transient universe

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/87185167411?pwd=FpTUyIgXaOturzOFSetA6pPVYQilen.1

Abstract:

ULTRASAT is an Israeli-led scientific satellite that is planned to be launched to a geo-stationary orbit in Q4 2027. It will carry a telescope with an unprecedentedly large field of view (204 square degrees) and UV (230-290nm) sensitivity. These unique properties will enable us to detect and systematically study transient astronomical events within an extra-Galactic volume that is hundreds of times larger than that accessible to current observatories. ULTRASAT’s measurements will have a broad science impact across the fields of gravitational wave sources, supernovae, variable and flare stars, active galactic nuclei, tidal disruption events, compact objects, and galaxies. In this talk I will review ULTRASAT’s key science goals, its unique technical properties, and the project’s structure and status.

Seminar Organizer: Dr. Jonathan Stern