Transient and variable sources pervade the universe, often emitting strong radiation in X-rays and other wavebands. They arise from violent processes in celestial objects, providing invaluable laboratories to study their evolution and formation and the physics in extreme conditions. The Einstein Probe (EP, also known as “Tianguan”天关 in Chinese), is a space observatory aiming for discovering and characterizing transients and variables in the X-ray band. It boasts exceptional sensitivity and spatial resolution achieved by cutting-edge wide-field X-ray focusing technology. It also features rapid response and powerful onboard X-ray follow-up capability. Since July 2024, EP has started nominal science operations. So far, a sample of X-ray transients and highly variable sources have been detected and some extensively followed up and studied by the EP science team and by the wider community. EP is becoming a game-changer in the field of time-domain X-ray Astronomy. As an X-ray observatory with excellent imaging, spectroscopic, timing, and fast-response capabilities, EP is ready to serve the astronomical communities in China and worldwide. This talk will introduce the science capability of EP and show some of its early results, with emphasis on transient science.
