Speaker
Description
The Iranian National Observatory (INO) is poised to become a significant contributor to the global effort in monitoring and following up on transient astronomical events. With its 3.4-meter optical telescope strategically located in a low-density region of telescopes on Mount Gargash at 3600 m above sea level in central Iran, the INO offers a unique opportunity to fill critical gaps in the global observational network. This talk will provide an in-depth report on the recent progress in the commissioning of the INO, highlighting the technical milestones achieved and the strategies implemented to ensure the observatory's readiness for transient event monitoring.
We will discuss the capabilities of the INO's 3.4-meter telescope, focusing on its optical performance, instrumentation, and site characteristics that make it particularly suited for time-sensitive observations of transients such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, gravitational wave counterparts and kilonoveas. As we move closer to full operational status, the INO is preparing to actively participate in international collaborations for real-time follow-up observations. This talk will outline the steps being taken to integrate the INO into global transient monitoring networks, ensuring that it becomes a valuable asset in the quest to understand the dynamic universe.
