The LOFAR Transients Pipeline

Understand

Current and future astronomical survey facilities provide a remarkably rich opportunity for transient astronomy, combining unprecedented fields of view with high sensitivity and the ability to access previously unexplored wavelength regimes.

• This is particularly true of LOFAR, a recently-commissioned, low-frequency radio interferometer, based in the Netherlands and with stations across Europe.
• The identification of and response to transients is one of LOFAR's key science goals.
• However, the large data volumes which LOFAR produces, combined with the scientific requirement for rapid response, make automation essential.