Global Jet Watch

Research group

Research theme

Sub department

Explosions and flaring events in our Galaxy

Science with the Global Jet Watch

The research goals of the Global Jet Watch chiefly belong within the realm of Time-Domain Astrophysics.  It comprises five 0.5-m telescopes strategically separated in longitude so that there is always one of them in darkness, able to follow the evolving behaviour of optical transients, for example nova explosions, massive stars or flaring microquasars -- as described in the tabs listed in the side menu.   These observatories deliver fine time-resolution observations sustained over sufficiently long time durations to be able to see before, during and after explosive or flaring behaviour in extreme objects in our Galaxy, the Milky Way. 

Tomorrow's scientists and the Global Jet Watch

Besides the research goals of the Global Jet Watch, another key part of its design from the outset was to have inherent outreach spin-offs.  Most of the Global Jet Watch observatories are hosted in residential schools and the individual experience of students operating a telescope for themselves and collecting data is having a profound influence (most dramatically in the schools in developing countries). More details are available in Our research in action and on the Global Jet Watch site.