Seize the night in the era of wide-field optical surveys

Abstract: We are living in a golden era for optical time-domain astronomy. Wide-field surveys such as the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) image most of the observable sky every night, opening a discovery space historically difficult to explore in the optical. The ability to crunch big data efficiently has become key to discovery. In this seminar, I will present results for two science cases in particular that we have directly addressed with ZTF real-time searches. These include binary neutron star mergers, which are great multi-messenger sources, and a rare class of tidal disruption events. I will present results from both "triggered" and "serendipitous" transient searches with ZTF as well as prospects for the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which is expected to produce millions of transient alerts every night.