Get started
Work

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

Year: 2026
Type: preprint
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.
DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2610.14827
Authors: Misra, Kuntal, Ailawadhi, Bhavya, Akhunov, Talat, Dubey, Monalisa, Dukiya, Naveen, Filali, Sara, Hickson, Paul, Kumari, Priyanshi, Mehra, Gokul Singh, Negi, Vibhore, Pranshu, Kumar, Surdej, Jean, Yadav, Sarvesh Kumar
Institutions: Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Physical Research Laboratory, Ulugh Beg Astronomical Institute, National University of Uzbekistan, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, University of Liège, University of British Columbia, Peking University, University of Calcutta
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7221812748
Cites: 5
Cited by:
Related to: 10