Gamma-ray Transient Network Science Analysis Group Report

TL;DR

This report analyzes the role of the Interplanetary Network and high-energy space-based monitors in advancing gamma-ray transient detection, localization, and multi-messenger astrophysics in the upcoming decade.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of how existing high-energy monitors and the IPN can be optimized to support time domain and multi-messenger astrophysics.

Findings

IPN enhances transient localization accuracy.

High-energy monitors are crucial for transient characterization.

Operational improvements can significantly boost TDAMM science.

Abstract

The Interplanetary Network (IPN) is a detection, localization and alert system that utilizes the arrival time of transient signals in gamma-ray detectors on spacecraft separated by planetary baselines to geometrically locate the origin of these transients. Due to the changing astrophysical landscape and the new emphasis on time domain and multi-messenger astrophysics (TDAMM) from the Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s, this Gamma-ray Transient Network Science Analysis Group was tasked to understand the role of the IPN and high-energy monitors in this new era. The charge includes describing the science made possible with these facilities, tracing the corresponding requirements and capabilities, and highlighting where improved operations of existing instruments and the IPN would enhance TDAMM science. While this study considers the full multiwavelength and multimessenger context, the findings are specific to space-based high-energy monitors. These facilities are important both for full characterization of these transients as well as facilitating follow-up observations through discovery and localization. The full document reports a brief history of this field, followed by our detailed analyses and findings in some 68 pages, providing a holistic overview of the role of the IPN and high-energy monitors in the coming decades.