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arXiv · 2607.06548

LUnar-based Survey for Time-domain Exploration and Research network (LUSTER-net)

T. S. Boyajian·R. A. Street·B. Fleming·F. Marchis·J. Morse·P. Gandhi·J. Turner·G. Rau·A. Tanner·A. Sohani
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Abstract

LUSTER-net is a lunar-surface UVOIR observatory network mission concept for time-domain astrophysics. The concept envisions a scalable array of approximately 6-12 commonly designed telescope nodes, with apertures in the $\sim0.5-1$ m class, distributed across the lunar surface to provide long-duration monitoring, rapid follow-up, and coordinated imaging and spectroscopy of transient and variable sources. By combining continuous observing windows from the lunar surface with adaptive network scheduling, LUSTER-net would provide persistent UVOIR characterization of discoveries from facilities such as Rubin, Roman, ULTRASAT, UVEX, and multi-messenger observatories. The science enabled includes exoplanet atmosphere studies, microlensing parallax, Solar System object characterization, fast transients, electromagnetic counterparts to multi-messenger events, and broader UVOIR variability studies. This white paper outlines the science motivation, notional architecture, implementation trades, and role of LUSTER-net as a step toward future lunar astrophysics facilities.

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T. S. Boyajian, R. A. Street, B. Fleming, F. Marchis, J. Morse, P. Gandhi, J. Turner, G. Rau, A. Tanner, A. Sohani. 2026-07-07. LUnar-based Survey for Time-domain Exploration and Research network (LUSTER-net). https://arxiv.org/abs/2607.06548

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