Szomoru Arpad

Abstract Reference: 26999
Identifier: O4.3
Presentation: Oral communication
Key Theme: 7 Surveys for Transient Objects in the Era of Gravitational Wave Astronomy

CLEOPATRA: Connecting Locations of ESFRI Observatories and Partners in Astronomy for Timing and Real-time Alerts

Authors:
Szomoru Arpad

The H2020 ASTERICS project (Astronomy ESFRI & Research Infrastructure Cluster), kicked of in May 2015. It brings together, for the very first time, the astronomy, astrophysics and astroparticle physics facilities encompassed withing the ESFRI roadmap. The goal is to identify, address and solve key challenges of common interest, adopting cross-cutting solutions.
The topic of my presentation will be CLEOPATRA, one of the work packages in ASTERICS. With a budget of about 2.5 Meuro and 12 different partners, this work package is in fact a sizeable project in its own right.
Its aim is to improve the scientific capabilities of the research infrastructures using modern communication methods and broadband connectivity, and to enable syergetic observing modes, with fast and reliable acces to large data streams.
Specifically, technology is being developed, based on the White Rabbit protocol, for long-haul many-element time and frequency distribution, over public networks. This is highly relevant for both current and future radio astronomy facilities (LOFAR, EVN, SKA) but also for astroparticle instruments (CTA, MK3NET).

Methods for relaying alerts are being designed, using VOevents, signaling transient event detections and enabling joint observing programmes. A demonstration will be set up in which LOFAR, the EVN and CTA will respond in near-real time to alerts generated by VIRGO.
Data streaming software is another aspect of this work package, and will provide tools for robust and efficient data dissemination.
Finally, advanced scheduling algorithms are being worked on, using AI approaches for optimal usage of the ESFRI facilities.