U.S.-Germany Cooperative Research: The Terra Incognita of Time-Variability in GRB Afterglows

Clemson University, Clemson SC

Investigators

Abstract

0128882 Hartmann This award supports Dieter Hartmann and students from Clemson University in a collaboration with Sylvio Klose of the Thuering Observatory in Tautenburg, Germany. The aim of the international project is to study the temporal evolution of gamma-ray burst afterglows. Both groups have access to small and midsize telescopes. The U.S. side uses data from the fully robotic Super-LOTIS telescope at the Kit Peak National Observatory. The German side has access to the Tautenburg two-meter telescope as well as time on various international large-aperture telescopes. By combining data collected by both groups, they will analyze gamma-ray burst afterglow light curves and possible color changes on time scales ranging from seconds to days. The work plan provides for extensive participation by graduate students in the international travel and research.