Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transients in the 2040s

TL;DR

Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transients are a mysterious class of extragalactic events whose understanding could reveal new insights into black hole formation and transient physics, but they are currently under-detected by existing surveys.

Contribution

This paper proposes observing capabilities needed on a 2040 timescale to improve detection and study of LFBOTs, enhancing understanding of their origins and physics.

Findings

Current surveys miss most LFBOTs

Improved detection strategies are needed for future surveys

Understanding LFBOTs can inform black hole and galaxy evolution

Abstract

Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transients (LFBOTs) are a class of extragalactic transient of uncertain origin. Several hypotheses have been put forward which could feasibly be consistent with the sample number of events discovered thus far, including tidal disruption events around intermediate mass black holes, failed supernovae and mergers of stars with black holes. Whatever their origin, it is clear that better understanding LFBOTs will provide unique insight into the black hole formation/growth, central engine physics and transient-host galaxy interactions - themes which are expected to drive research in transient astronomy over the coming decades. The vast majority of LFBOTs are missed by current photometric surveys, or not efficiently selected for detailed follow-up. This white paper outlines the observing capabilities required on a 2040 timescale to maximise the discovery potential from these enigmatic events.