NSF/AFOSR Astronomy: Rapid deep observations of gamma-ray burst optical counterparts

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

The project will support rapid follow-up observations of gamma ray bursts using the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) telescope on Maui. The PI will use an auxiliary camera (the AEOS Burst Camera, or ABC) mounted on the rapidly-slewing AEOS telescope to provide timely (1-5 min) follow-up observations of bursts detected with, for example, NASA's Swift satellite. ABC was constructed by the principal investigator as part of a previous award, and the current award will provide the opportunity for a graduate student to make use of the camera for thesis work, and also includes participation by an undergraduate student.