NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0595
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0595 |
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PI: Derek Fox, Pennsylvania State University, dfox@astro.psu.edu
Address: Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 525 Davey Laboratory, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
CoI: Brian Schmidt, Australian National University
CoI: Edo Berger, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Shrinivas Kulkarni, Caltech Astronomy
CoI: Kathy Roth, Gemini Observatory - North
CoI: Robert Rutledge, McGill University
CoI: Philipp Podsiadlowski, Oxford University
CoI: Wen-fai Fong, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Tanmoy Laskar, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Ryan Chornock, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Mike Dopita, Australian National University
CoI: Alicia Soderberg, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Christian Wolf, Oxford University
CoI: Bryan Penprase, Pomona College
CoI: Ryan Foley, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Title: Gamma-Ray Bursts: From Progenitors to Probes
Abstract:
GRB astronomy is focused on two goals - understanding the physics and
progenitors of the bursts and using them as probes of the high-redshift
universe. This proposal addresses both goals. We will undertake rapid imaging
and spectroscopy of short-duration GRBs to directly measure their redshifts
and environments. These observations will zero in on the identity of the
progenitors and the energy extraction mechanism, and will test possible
progenitor ejections from their host galaxies, a prediction of the popular
binary neutron star merger model. In addition, we will use our automated
Gemini trigger to obtain adaptive izJHK imaging and spectroscopy of all
rapidly-observable GRBs, to identify and characterize z>6 events. Using this
approach we identified GRB090423 at z=8.26 with Gemini. Spectroscopy of these
bursts will constrain re-ionization through the IGM neutral fraction, and
probe the ISM of the highest redshift galaxies. At z<6 we will continue our
use of GRBs to probe the ISM of damped Lyman-alpha systems, combined with
follow-up Spitzer/Keck/Magellan observations.
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 > 2010B-0595 |
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