Faulkes Telescope project links with NASA's Swift mission
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On November 8th 2004, a Delta rocket will launch the Swift spacecraft from Cape Canaveral on a mission to look at the most energetic phenomena in the Universe, Gamma Ray Bursts. Even though the mission is being launched by NASA it has major contributions from UK scientists including the Faulkes Telescope Project. Through the Faulkes Telescope Project schools will be able to take part in this exciting area of research.
Gamma Ray Bursts emit more energy than that which is generated by one hundred billion stars like the Sun during an entire year. However, they last from only a few milliseconds to a few minutes with an afterglow phenomenon frequently following the initial gamma-ray flash. In the afterglow period emission of X-rays, optical light and radio waves continues, sometimes for hours to weeks after the initial burst has subsided.
It is during this phase that the FT North will kick into action and take follow-up optical observations to further understand these phenomena. Once Swift has detected and located a Gamma Ray Burst it will send the co-ordinates to FT North which will then slew into position itself at the source region. It will take a series of observations to be used by UK scientists.
Following the launch of Swift all schools can take part in this research too by using the on-line associated educational programme. Keep an eye on the Education and Science Unit section of the website.
