D. Zimnukhov

About

D. Zimnukhov is a leading figure in time-domain astrophysics, specializing in the robotic optical follow-up of high-energy transients. As a key member of the MASTER Global Robotic Net team at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Zimnukhov has made pivotal contributions to multi-messenger astronomy. Their most celebrated work, the first optical detection of the LIGO/Virgo neutron star merger GW170817 (227 citations), provided the earliest image of the host galaxy NGC 4993 and the associated kilonova, cementing MASTER’s role in gravitational-wave astronomy. Zimnukhov also co-authored the foundational concept of a multi-functional astronomical complex and dynamically integrated database for robotic networks, enabling seamless multi-channel observations. Their extensive catalog of early gamma-ray burst afterglows (130 error-boxes) and detailed photometric/polarimetric monitoring of the microquasar V404 Cygni during its 2015 super-outbursts (over 2,000 observations) have advanced our understanding of accretion physics and jet formation. Additional work includes unique long-duration light curves of near-Earth asteroids. With over 300 total citations, Zimnukhov’s research bridges robotic telescope automation, high-energy astrophysics, and real-time cosmic exploration.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   MASTER Optical Detection of the First LIGO/Virgo Neutron Star Binary Merger GW170817

   227 citations · 2017
2. 2
   The Concept of a Multi-Functional Astronomy Complex and Dynamically Integrated Database Applied to Multi-Channel Observations with the MASTER Global Network

   32 citations · 2019
3. 3
   Early Optical Observations of Gamma-Ray Bursts Compared with Their Gamma- and X-Ray Characteristics Using a MASTER Global Network of Robotic Telescopes from Lomonosov Moscow State University

   15 citations · 2020
4. 4
   Microquasar V404 Cyg /GS 2023+338: MASTER optical observations during the June and December 2015 super-outbursts

   9 citations · 2019
5. 5
   The MASTER Global Robotic Telescope Network: Observations of Asteroid NEA 2015 TB145

   7 citations · 2019
6. 6
   Extreme Universe through the Eyes of Master Global Robotic Net

   6 citations · 2023
7. 7
   V404 CYG/GS 2023+338: Monitoring in the Optical with Robotic Telescopes of the MASTER Global Network during the 2015 Superburst

   5 citations · 2019

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links