What do we learn from observing afterglows?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQObservations of the afterglows all across the spectrum tell us many things about gamma ray bursts. First, observations of the first afterglow in 1997 confirmed that gamma ray bursts occur in very distant galaxies (see question 2). Second, from observations of the afterglow we can determine how much energy was released in the gamma ray burst. Third, we can determine how much material was present in the vicinity of the gamma ray burst.
Related QuestionsWhat are afterglows?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQafterglow is the emission that follows a gamma ray burst in other parts of the spectrum, ranging from radio waves to X-rays, and lasting from a few days to several years. The afterglows fade away over time in a well-understood manner. The discovery of the first afterglows in 1997 was made possible by the Italian-Dutch satellite BeppoSAX. This discovery (and the detection of approximately 50 afterglows over the past 4 years) has revolutionized the field of gamma ray burst astronomy.
Related QuestionsHow are afterglows formed?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQwe have seen previously (question 14) the gamma ray burst is formed when shells of energy and matter ejected by the newly-formed hole collide and merge ("internal shocks"). After the shells merge into a single shell, this shell continues to move away from the black hole and, like a snowplow, it gathers up material from interstellar space (even though it is assumed that space is empty, in reality it is full of protons and electrons).
Related QuestionsHow many afterglows have been detected since the first one in 1997?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQApproximately 50 afterglows have been detected with X-ray telescopes (see question 15) so far in almost 4 years of observations. However, of these 50 afterglows only approximately 40% have also been detected with optical or radio telescopes. So, on average an afterglow is detected once a month.
Related QuestionsWhy do afterglows fade over time?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQwas explained in the previous question, the expanding shell from the gamma ray burst gathers up material, and imparts energy to this material. Initially, the shell has more energy and it accelerates the material that it gathers up into high energies. As the shell loses energy it gives less and less energy to the material and therefore the emission becomes weaker.
Related QuestionsWhat telescopes are used to detect afterglows?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQGamma ray burst astronomers use many telescopes around the world to look for and monitor gamma ray bursts. These telescopes inculde the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chnadra X-ray Observatory in space, the Keck telescopes in Hawaii, the Very Large Array radio telescope in New Mexico (featured in the movie Contact starring Jodie Foster), the Very Large Telescope in South America, and many other smaller telescopes.
Related QuestionsHow are gamma ray burst afterglows detected?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQThe first step in the detection of afterglows is always the detection of a new gamma ray burst by a satellite such as the IPN, BeppoSAX, and HETE-II (see qeustion 4). The information from the satellite is quickly sent down to Earth and is distributed to gamma ray burst astronomers by email, pagers, and cellular phones. When astronomers get the information, they observe the part of the sky where the gamma ray burst occured, and look for an object which fades quickly.
Related QuestionsHow big are gamma ray burst afterglows?
Gamma-ray Burst FAQThe twinkling of radio waves from afterglows (see question 23) has shown that afterglows start very small (about the size of the Earth's orbit around the Sun), and then expand and become larger than the Solar system.
Related QuestionsBesides my telescope, what else do I need for observing?
Howstuffworks "How Telescopes Work"First of all, dress warmly when you go out at night! When the sun goes down, temperatures fall and moisture condenses. You would be surprised how cold you can feel even on a hot, summer night. I have been observing on summer nights in North Carolina and needed a sweater and jacket even when the outside temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are not comfortable, then you will not enjoy observing.
Related QuestionsQ 13. What is the significance of observing noble silence?
Questions on AnapanaAns. It has a great significance. All our efforts are towards quietening the mind. We have already experienced how talkative the mind is. Even though we want the mind to observe the breath, it hardly observes a couple of breaths before it indulges in its old habit of thinking and talking endlessly with itself. We want it to quieten down and become involved in the task of observing the breath, but despite all our efforts, it does not calm down.
Related QuestionsWhat's the value of satellite imagery in observing the iceberg?
Iceberg FAQ'sSatellite imagery, particularly from polar-orbiting satellites, and especially when skies are clear of clouds, make it possible to spot big icebergs as they form. Cracks in the ice are only clearly visible from the air. Satellites give a point of view available no other way.
Related QuestionsQuestion: -- I will be observing at home. Where should I set up my telescope ?
Telescopes FAQ - How to Setup & Use a TelescopeAnswer: -- Not in your living room. Observing through the window of a house will drastically reduce the performance of your telescope. Go outside. If possible, set your telescope up away from buildings, parking lots, patios or other objects -wooden or cement - that absorb heat by day. These objects radiate heat back into the sky at night and will create air currents that degrade the images in your telescope .
Related QuestionsQuestion: -- Which eyepiece should I use to begin observing?
Telescopes FAQ - How to Setup & Use a TelescopeAnswer: -- ALWAYS start observing with the lowest magnification eyepiece available until you become skilled in the use of your telescope. This will be the eyepiece marked with the BIG number (longer focal length ), not one of the smaller numbers. Again, the number you see on the eyepiece is the focal length, not the magnification.
Related QuestionsWhat is an Ocean Observing System?
Frequently Asked QuestionsA collection of instruments that provide long-term, continuous data, often in real-time or near real-time, for the purposes of:
Related QuestionsHow Can I Learn More?
Frequently asked questions about Pilates and Alternative Fit...The Alternative Fitness Body IQ Video Set is available for $39.95 at the front desk of the studio or by calling 1-877-9Pilates. The video is great to compliment your class work. THe first video presents the 6 Basic Alternative Fitness Principles which are presented in class. It is arranged in tutorials for learning. The second video has 3 floor exercise sequences plus one reformer workout.
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Can I learn to do it on my own?
Questions about lower blood pressure with breathing and musi...Yes, it is possible to learn slow breathing on your own, and you will gradually assimilate with Breatheasy. People have actually been doing this for years under the name of biofeedback. Unfortunately, biofeedback is difficult and time-consuming to learn, which is why it has never gained widespread use. Slow breathing is also very difficult to learn unaided because it's only effective when done in a very relaxed state with minimal conscious effort.
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What about observing skills?
Telescope Buyers FAQEven some experienced amateur astronomers think that seeing things comes free and easy, with no more effort than opening your eyes: But as currently popular slang so evocatively articulates, Vision is an acquired skill. You must learn it, you must practice, and you must keep learning new things, and practicing them, too. Buying a bigger telescope to see more is like buying a bigger kettle to be a better cook, or buying a bigger computer to be a better programmer.
Related QuestionsObserving the data. Is that correct?
Kitzmiller v. Dover: Day 7, PM: Barbara ForrestMy question was, when he discusses the blood clotting cascade, does he discuss that in scientific terms? And your answer was yes, as I understand it. I said when he introduces the concept of design, then he's introducing it as a religious term. But, no, when he's discussing the blood clotting cascade, per se, yes, he's looking at it as a scientific idea, yes.
Related QuestionsWhen is the best observing time?
Global Rent-a-Scope | CCD ImagingThis depends in which type of astronomy you have an interest. If you would like more input I will be happy to call you so we can discuss in depth. Of course you can observe anytime the observatory is operating which is during the dark periods at our observatories.
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