Abstract

Following on from the epoch of multi-wavelength astronomy, we have recently seen the realisation of multi-messenger astronomy. Starting with coincident detections of electro-magnetic signals and gravitational waves from compact object mergers, but also linking neutrinos to extremely high-energy and EM emission sources in a blazar. Gravitational wave astrophysics has very quickly evolved from no detection to proper astrophysical inference from the sample of signal detected in the first science runs. I will discuss some general highlights from these early years and will then focus on the UK-led Gravitational wave Optical Transient Observer facility (GOTO). GOTO is an array of autonomous wide-field telescopes that both patrols the sky at high cadence, but also responds to external triggers. It has been specifically optimised for the follow-up of gravitational wave signals, but will respond to a variety of exotic transients. Its core role is as an early discovery machine that feeds promising source candidates to other facilities. In total 32 telescopes have been deployed across two sites, each equipped with 50Mpixel sensors. I will cover the main principles behind its design and implementation and will also discuss the real-time dataflow that is equally critical to enable the core science. Its regular coverage of the whole sky will also enable a broad variety of complementary time-domain science.