Program: GN-2006B-Q-21

Title:Gamma-ray bursts: From Progenitors and Probes
PI:Brian Schmidt
Co-I(s): Paul Price, Shrivinas Kulkarni, Edo Berger, Dale Frail, Kathy Roth, Robert Rutledge, Mike Dopita, Philipp Podsiadlowski, Isobel Hook, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Bruce Peterson, Alicia Soderberg, Brad Cenko, Avishay Gal-Yam, Brian Cameron, Lennox Cowie, Bryan Penprase, Antonia Cowie

Abstract

We propose to continue our comprehensive Gemini TOO program to promote our understanding of GRBs and to use these objects as probes of the early Universe. This program will address the physical nature of long and short GRBs, and will use bright afterglows as probes of the high-z universe. Our program takes advantage of Gemini's unique strengths (speed and instrument flexibility), relegating non-time critical GRB observations to non-queue facilities. To support and complement Gemini observations, we have organized an international team with access to world-wide optical, radio, and X-ray facilities. In 2006A, the ability to use G-N and G-S in tandem (different latitudes and longitudes and weather) has increased our ability to follow GRBs significantly over a single facility.

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