Program: GS-2008B-Q-2

Title:Gamma-Ray Bursts: From Progenitors to Probes
PI:Edo Berger
Co-I(s): Brian Schmidt, Derek Fox, Shrinivas Kulkarni, Kathy Roth, Robert Rutledge, Philipp Podsiadlowski, Mike Dopita, Alicia Soderberg, Brad Cenko, Avishay Gal-Yam, Christian Wolf, Brian Cameron, Bryan Penprase, Eduard Westra

Abstract

GRB astronomy is focused on two goals - understanding the physics and progenitors of the bursts and using them as probes of the high-z 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 provide the first test of progenitor ejections from their host galaxies. In addition, we will use our automated Gemini trigger to obtain izJHK imaging of all rapidly-observable GRBs to identify z>6 bursts. 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 productive use of GRBs to probe the ISM of damped Lyman-alpha systems, combined with follow-up Spitzer/Keck/Magellan observations.

Publications using this program's data