AAVSO: American Association of Variable Star Observers
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NASA's Swift Satellite--Gamma-Ray Bursts on the Fly (Abstract)

Volume 31 number 1 (2003)

Charles J. Rodkey

Abstract

(Abstract only) One of the obstacles to ground-based observing of GRBs is the short life of the afterglow. NASA’s Swift satellite will reduce the notification time to seconds and increase the number of observed GRBs to approximately 150 per year. Amateurs with the right equipment can play a role in the follow-up. This Penn State University-led mission will have a multitude of research targets and opportunities. For more information on the Swift mission, visit the URL http://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov.