astronomical transients

Astronomical transients are brief, often intense events in the universe where objects or phenomena change brightness or appearance suddenly, then fade or evolve over time. Examples include supernovae (stellar explosions), gamma-ray bursts, and variable stars. These events reveal important information about cosmic processes, star lifecycle, and the universe’s evolution. Because they are fleeting, astronomers use specialized telescopes and alerts to detect and study them quickly, helping us understand extraordinary cosmic phenomena that occur unpredictably and over timescales ranging from seconds to months.