KMTNet Supernova Project : The Initial Status

We are at the initial performance-verification phase of our KMTNet Supernova Project (KSP) using the three wide-field telescopes of the KMTNet in the southern hemisphere. The primary science objectives of KSP, which take advantage of its unique 24-hour continuous sky coverage, are to study early (i.e., within a few hours from explosion) and rare/peculiar (e.g. fast decay) supernovae (SNe), SN progenitors, explosion mechanisms, as well as other exotic optical transients. We present the initial status/results of the program, along with the program strategy, science objectives, target fields, and future plan. While the target field selection will be made based on the performance of the system and consideration of various scientific merits, the initial target fields are focused on nearby galaxies with increased cadence and filter coverage.