Absorption spectroscopy of gamma-ray burst afterglows: probing the GRB line of sight
arXiv:1108.1061 · doi:10.1002/asna.201111533
Abstract
GRB absorption spectroscopy opened up a new window in the study of the high redshift Universe, especially with the launch of the Swift satellite and the quick and precise localization of the afterglow. Eight-meter class telescopes can be repointed within a few hours from the GRB, enabling the acquisition of high signal-to-noise ratio and high resolution afterglow spectra. In this paper I will give a short review of what we learned through this technique, and I will present some of the first results obtained with the X-shooter spectrograph.
6 pages, 4 eps figures, proceeding of the workshop "The first year of science with X-shooter", Como (Italy), October 19-22, 2010
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