Alert Classification for the ALeRCE Broker System: The Real-time Stamp Classifier

TL;DR

This paper introduces a real-time convolutional neural network classifier for astronomical alerts in the ALeRCE system, enabling rapid identification of various transient objects from ZTF data with high accuracy.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel real-time alert classifier using CNNs trained on ZTF data, and a visualization tool for early supernova candidate identification, enhancing rapid transient detection capabilities.

Findings

Achieved 94% accuracy in alert classification

Reported 6846 supernova candidates, with 971 spectroscopically confirmed

70% of supernovae detected within one day of first alert

Abstract

We present a real-time stamp classifier of astronomical events for the ALeRCE (Automatic Learning for the Rapid Classification of Events) broker. The classifier is based on a convolutional neural network, trained on alerts ingested from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). Using only the \textit{science, reference} and \textit{difference} images of the first detection as inputs, along with the metadata of the alert as features, the classifier is able to correctly classify alerts from active galactic nuclei, supernovae (SNe), variable stars, asteroids and bogus classes, with high accuracy ($\sim$94\%) in a balanced test set. In order to find and analyze SN candidates selected by our classifier from the ZTF alert stream, we designed and deployed a visualization tool called SN Hunter, where relevant information about each possible SN is displayed for the experts to choose among candidates to report to the Transient Name Server database. From June 26th 2019 to February 28th 2021, we have reported 6846 SN candidates to date (11.8 candidates per day on average), of which 971 have been confirmed spectroscopically. Our ability to report objects using only a single detection means that 70\% of the reported SNe occurred within one day after the first detection. ALeRCE has only reported candidates not otherwise detected or selected by other groups, therefore adding new early transients to the bulk of objects available for early follow-up. Our work represents an important milestone toward rapid alert classifications with the next generation of large etendue telescopes, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.