Rubin ToO 2024: Envisioning the Vera C. Rubin Observatory LSST Target of Opportunity program

TL;DR

This paper outlines the planned Target of Opportunity (ToO) program for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's LSST, detailing science cases, strategies, and community input for rapid follow-up observations starting in 2025.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive baseline plan for implementing the ToO program, including science cases, prioritization, and response strategies endorsed by the SCOC.

Findings

Identified four main science cases for ToO observations.

Developed trigger prioritization and automated response strategies.

Received endorsement from the SCOC for the implementation plan.

Abstract

The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) at Vera C. Rubin Observatory is planned to begin in the Fall of 2025. The LSST survey cadence has been designed via a community-driven process regulated by the Survey Cadence Optimization Committee (SCOC), which recommended up to 3% of the observing time to carry out Target of Opportunity (ToO) observations. Experts from the scientific community, Rubin Observatory personnel, and members of the SCOC were brought together to deliver a recommendation for the implementation of the ToO program during a workshop held in March 2024. Four main science cases were identified: gravitational wave multi-messenger astronomy, high energy neutrinos, Galactic supernovae, and small potentially hazardous asteroids possible impactors. Additional science cases were identified and briefly addressed in the documents, including lensed or poorly localized gamma-ray bursts and twilight discoveries. Trigger prioritization, automated response, and detailed strategies were discussed for each science case. This document represents the outcome of the Rubin ToO 2024 workshop, with additional contributions from members of the Rubin Science Collaborations. The implementation of the selection criteria and strategies presented in this document has been endorsed in the SCOC Phase 3 Recommendations document (PSTN-056). Although the ToO program is still to be finalized, this document serves as a baseline plan for ToO observations with the Rubin Observatory.