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ESOcast 25: Chasing Gamma-ray Bursts at Top Speed

The astronomy podcast featuring news and cutting edge science from ESO

16 December 2010

Gamma-ray bursts are the most powerful explosions in the Universe and are thought to follow cataclysmic events, such as the collapse of a massive star. But to observe these fleeting events, astronomers need to be lightning quick. In this episode of the ESOcast, Dr. J explains how the VLT’s Rapid Response Mode makes it possible to observe gamma-ray bursts within minutes of detection by space-based telescopes.

More episodes of the ESOcast are also available.

Credits

Visual design and editing: Martin Kornmesser and Luis Calçada. Editing: Herbert Zodet. Web and technical support: Lars Holm Nielsen and Raquel Yumi Shida. Written by: Herbert Zodet. Narration: Dr. J and Gaitee Hussain. Music: movetwo. Footage and photos: ESO, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Stéphane Guisard (http://www.eso.org/~sguisard) and José Francisco Salgado (josefrancisco.org). Directed by: Herbert Zodet. Executive producer: Lars Lindberg Christensen.

Links

• ESOcast 25 for download (various formats available)