SVOM Follow-up Observation Coordinating Service

TL;DR

The paper introduces the SVOM Follow-up Observation Coordinating Service (FOCS), a system designed to organize and coordinate ground-based follow-up observations of gamma-ray bursts detected by the SVOM space mission, enhancing multi-wavelength astronomy.

Contribution

This work presents the design, implementation, and deployment of the FOCS system, enabling automated scheduling and coordination of ground-based telescopes for SVOM GRB follow-ups.

Findings

Successful coordination of multiple ground-based telescopes for SVOM GRBs

Enhanced multi-wavelength observational capabilities achieved

System operational since June 2024 with ongoing improvements

Abstract

The Sino-French SVOM (Space Variable Objects Monitor) mission is a space-based astronomy mission complemented with ground-based dedicated instrumentation. It aims to explore and study high-energy cosmic phenomena, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). This unprecedented combination of space-based and ground-based instruments will provide leading multi-wavelength observational capabilities in gamma-rays, X-rays, optical, and near-infrared bands. The complete observation sequence of each GRB triggered by the SVOM mission consists of three stages, the GRB detections, followed by the on-board and grounded automatic follow-ups, and rapid deep multi-band photometry and spectroscopy re-visit observations. To efficiently organize all grounded instruments performing automatic follow-ups and re-visit observations, we develop a follow-up observation coordinating service (FOCS), which is capable of performing GRB trigger distributing, automatic observation scheduling and observation coordination supporting by providing a user support platform. The FOCS also facilitates the provision of observational planning for ground-based telescopes to conduct synchronized observations of identical celestial regions as SVOM. The FOCS is utilized for the SVOM-dedicated ground-based telescopes as well as for associated partner telescopes. Since the launch of SVOM in June 2024, as the FOCS system joining the operations of SVOM, multiple successful observations have been made for SVOM GRBs. In this paper, we present the goals of the FOCS system as well as the principle and workflow developed to achieve these goals. The structure, technical design, implementation, and performance of the FOCS system are also described in detail. We conclude with a summary of the current status of the FOCS system and our near-future development plan.