Searches for new micro-quasars in the Galaxy

This project will make use of the vast numbers of light-curves collected by the Global Jet Watch's commensal cameras that deliver successive images (having fields of view several degrees on a side) in different filters while its mainstream spectroscopic data-gathering takes place. Astrometric registration will be applied to all images, and calibration of the light-curves will take place via differential photometry across the entire fields and modern digital-signal processing techniques will be employed to assess the nature of the variability of all sources. We are particularly looking for the signatures of micro-quasars such as the prototype SS433. All candidates that show hints of such signatures will be followed up via spectroscopy on the main Global Jet Watch telescopes, to confirm or refute their identity as newly discovered micro-quasars. Previous discoveries of micro-quasars have been serendipitous whereas this is a thoughtfully designed strategic methodology. This is a very novel approach because the data streams that make such a strategy possible have not been in place via any other means previously. The discovery of new micro-quasars is important because they are analogues of quasars in the distant universe yet evolve much more rapidly enabling the underlying astrophysical mechanisms that power them to be investigated much more deeply.