NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0145
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0145 |
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PI: Nial Tanvir, University of Leicester, nrt3@star.le.ac.uk
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
CoI: Andrew Levan, University of Hertfordshire
CoI: Daniel Reichart, University of North Carolina
CoI: John Graham, Space Telescope Science Institute
CoI: Andrew Fruchter, Space Telescope Science Institute
CoI: David Bersier, Liverpool John Moores University
CoI: Pall Jakobsson, University of Iceland
CoI: Paul O'Brien, University of Leicester
CoI: Evert Rol, University of Leicester
CoI: James Rhoads, Arizona State University
CoI: Jens Hjorth, NBI: DARK, Copenhagen
CoI: Klaas Wiersema, University of Leicester
Title: Rapid observations of gamma-ray bursts
Abstract:
Rapid observations of gamma-ray bursts are critical to probing their exotic
physics and using GRBs themselves as probes of the universe. Our
collaboration has been extremely successful in using Gemini, in coordination
with a network of other facilities, to advance this field, and we seek to
continue this program. Our primary goals are (i) to locate and study GRBs at
very high redshifts (z>5), where they will provide luminous backlights with
which to explore the early ISM/IGM, and also the means to identify and
characterise their faint host galaxies; (ii) to construct a more complete
redshift sample of GRBs; (iii) to detect afterglows and measure redshifts for
the class of short-duration bursts, whose nature, despite recent
breakthroughs, remains enigmatic; (iv) in conjunction with data from the
Fermi satellite, to test the standard jetted, relativistic fireball models.
These goals address central questions of contemporary astrophysics and
cosmology.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0145 |
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