NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0364
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0364 |
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PI: Antonino Cucchiara, UC Santa Cruz, acucchia@ucolick.org
Address: Astronomy and Astrophysics Board of Study, Natural Sciences II, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
CoI: Stephen Cenko, UC Berkeley
CoI: Brian Schmidt, Australian National University
CoI: Daniel Perley, Caltech Astronomy
CoI: Edo Berger, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Derek Fox, Pennsylvania State University
CoI: Andrew Fruchter, Space Telescope Science Institute
CoI: Joshua Bloom, UC Berkeley (Astronomy)
CoI: Jason X. Prochaska, UC Santa Cruz
CoI: Sebastian Lopez, Universidad de Chile
CoI: Bethany Cobb, The George Washington University
CoI: Kathy Roth, Gemini Observatory
CoI: Andrew Levan, University of Warwick
CoI: Nial Tanvir, University of Leicester
CoI: Sharon Rapoport, Australian National University
CoI: Fang Yuan, Australian National University
CoI: Ryan Chornock, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Fong Wen-Fai, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Adam Morgan, UC Berkeley (Astronomy)
CoI: Klaas Wiersema, University of Leicester
Title: Exploring the first stars with rapid GRB follow-up observations
Abstract:
GRBs provide a unique window on exotic, highly relativistic physics. Our
discovery of cosmic explosions like GRB090423 at z=8.2, breaking the record
for the most distant known object, also demonstrates the power of using GRBs
as lighthouses visible into the epoch of re-ionization, pinpointing the
earliest stars and galaxies. Therefore, we intend (i) to observe GRBs at very
high-z, in order to explore the IGM during reionization and place fundamental
constraints on the early epochs of star-formation; (ii) to study in detail
the class of short-duration bursts, especially their electromagnetic
signatures in relation to gravitational-wave sources; (iii) to observe
exceptionally energetic bursts, such as detected by the Fermi-LAT satellite
in order to test theories of quantum gravity; (iv) continue our quest for
low-z GRBs associated with supernovae, which, in conjunction with a larger
sample of GRB afterglow spectra will provide unique insights into the stellar
progenitors and explosion sites of these intriguing phenomena. Gemini, with
its flexible schedule and instrumentation suite, represents a cornerstone
facility of global GRB research and we will continue to use it in combination
with a large network of other facilities.
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 > 2013A-0364 |
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