Abstract: The SAX satellite recently observed a powerful gamma ray outburst at the coordinates R.A.(2000)=17h29m26.0s, Dec.(2000)=49deg04'35" (see Sky & Telescope, December 1996, pg. 10) with an error box below 10 arc min. We propose to take deep H alpha and V band images of this field. Discovery of any excessively bright object in H alpha could pinpoint the optical counterpart of the burst. The search for counterparts from the existing catalogues (see Skyview on the net) has turned empty but our exposure could reach deeper. Here we assume the counterpart is close to our galaxy so that no considerable Hubble shift is present.

Full Text of Proposal

Comments by OPC

General Comments: Interesting proposal although, given the poor knowledge of gamma-ray bursts at present, it is difficult to predict what one could expect to find.

Visibility:The object is badly placed for these observations (high over the horizon only at the beginning of the night), and moreover the Moon is nearly full, producing much background light.

Special Comments: Cosmic rays will be a problem in H-alpha exposures; it will be necessary to split them in segments no longer than about 10 min.

Expected time consumption (including overhead): About 3 hours.

Proposed facility:OHP or Wendelstein.