GOATS: Gemini Observation and Analysis of Targets System

GOATS is a browser-based user interface providing end-to-end automation of the entire time-domain/multi-messenger astronomy follow-up process – from target selection, triggering of follow-up observation, to data retrieval, data reduction and analysis (Fig. 1).

GOATS capabilities

Fig. 1 GOATS will integrate all the software services involved in time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy follow-up.

It serves as a Target and Observation Manager (TOM) that can be used out-of-the-box. It is built using the TOM Toolkit, however it, in itself, is not a software development kit but rather a fully-assembled TOM. Its main motivation is to lower the entry barrier for the user community.

GOATS building blocks

Fig. 2 Schematic of GOATS, highlighting its building blocks.

The main components of GOATS are shown in Fig. 2 above. It is primarily directed towards Gemini follow-up observations, while leveraging complementary services (see below) for time-domain astronomy built by programs across the larger NOIRLab organization.

Note

Even though GOATS is designed to increase the efficiency of time-domain/multi-messenger follow-up observations with Gemini, it can be used by any Gemini user interested in automation.

Building blocks of GOATS

GOATS relies on the following components -

  • ANTARES : NOIRLab’s alert broker for target selection.

  • TOM Toolkit : Software for building and customizing TOMs developed by the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO).

  • Gemini Program Platform : Upgraded Observatory Control System of Gemini, which will facilitate Gemini triggering and observations.

  • Gemini Observatory Archive : Gemini data archive.

  • DRAGONS : Gemini data reduction software.

  • Astro Data Lab : NOIRLab’s science platform, which provides access to various legacy catalogs and a JupyterHub environment.