Detection of fast transients on the subsecond-minute time scales

I present a dual-purpose search program for fast transients of subsecond – minute long durations aiming to combine transient astronomy research with Searches for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).

The first goal is to search for new astrophysical transients in a largely unexplored parameter, namely the subsecond duration domain where mergers of compact objects could produce fast flashes.

The second goal is to search for specular reflections and other emissions from eventual exploratory spacecrafts and artifacts that an advanced civilisation has sent to our Solar System.

Our research program uses three different methods: (1) we determine the origin of the fast transients previously identified in pre-Sputnik astronomical images (Villarroel et al. 2016, 2020, 2022, Solano et al. 2022, 2023 Guergouri et al. in prep) that still are a puzzle, (2) a new observational program (EXOPROBE) using a triple-telescope in New Mexico, aimed to detect, verify, validate and obtain the spectrum of 0.1s – minutes long transients in the Earth’s shadow, (3) we use a citizen science project and automated methods to search images free from human contamination for typical signatures of satellites, space debris or other anomalies indicative of non-human spacecraft.

All astrophysical transients and candidates will be thoroughly identified, examined, published and made publicly available.