Identifying active galactic nuclei with anomalous variability using machine learning

• Grant number: 24/22165-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Extragalactic Astrophysics
• Principal Investigator: Claudia Lucia Mendes de Oliveira
• Grantee: Raquel Ruiz Valença
• Supervisor: Paula Sanchez Saez
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: European Southern Observatory - Headquarters, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/16592-9 - Detection of anomalous objects in S-PLUS, BP.DD

Abstract

This BEPE project will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Paula Sánchez Sáez at the European Southern Observatory, during 7 months. The main project focuses on the identification of active galactic nuclei (AGN) with anomalous variability using machine learning techniques applied to data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). To achieve this, we will adapt and refine the existing anomaly detection frameworks developed by the supervisor, incorporating features such as the ability to utilize multiband photometric data. We will also explore the synergy between ZTF and the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS) to improve the precision of AGN selection, including applications to high-redshift quasar candidates. The results of this work will culminate in a publication detailing the methodology and presenting a catalog of the candidates that will be identified. Additionally, a sample of the most promising candidates will be selected for spectroscopic follow-up, with the aim of further investigating their physical properties and variability characteristics.