The Dynamic X-ray Sky of the Local Universe

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the need for a dedicated high-energy transient detection facility to explore uncharted phases of the X-ray sky, enabling discovery of new transient classes and advancing multi-wavelength astronomy.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of a sensitive, wide-field X-ray transient detector for studying known and predicted high-energy transients and facilitating multi-wavelength follow-up.

Findings

Advances in understanding known X-ray transients.

Predicted classes of high-energy transients beyond current detection.

Potential discovery of new X-ray transient classes.

Abstract

Over the next decade, we can expect time domain astronomy to flourish at optical and radio wavelengths. In parallel with these efforts, a dedicated transient "machine" operating at higher energies (X-ray band through soft gamma-rays) is required to reveal the unique subset of events with variable emission predominantly visible above 100 eV. Here we focus on the transient phase space never yet sampled due to the lack of a sensitive, wide-field and triggering facility dedicated exclusively to catching high energy transients and enabling rapid coordinated multi-wavelength follow-up. We first describe the advancements in our understanding of known X-ray transients that can only be enabled through such a facility and then focus on the classes of transients theoretically predicted to be out of reach of current detection capabilities. Finally there is the exciting opportunity of revealing new classes of X-ray transients and unveiling their nature through coordinated follow-up observations at longer wavelengths.