Final Activity Report Summary - TVASWAT (Time Variable Astronomy and Spectroscopy with Automated Telescope)
Automation of astronomical observations is becoming crucial in the study in various fields of astronomy. In this project we focused on two areas: observations and analysis of optical afterglows of Gamma Ray Bursts which fade away in a few hours to a few days and therefore require rapid automatic response of a telescope to alerts provided by gamma observing satellites, and automated observations of a large sample of astronomical objects, which is too time consuming for classical observations by human astronomers.
We used the experience obtained in the project of the 2-m robotic Liverpool Telescope to continue our involvement in its observations and analysis of optical afterglows of Gamma Ray Bursts. This research work resulted in publication of our results in a number of high profile papers in astronomical literature, which enhanced the understanding of these objects, their energetics and environment.
We also put this experience in the project of automation of the 0.7-m Vega telescope and initiation of spectroscopic observations with it; the significant experience gained is useful also in view of our involvement in the Gaia mission planned by European Space Agency, particularly in Gaia's Radial velocity spectrometer group.
We used the experience obtained in the project of the 2-m robotic Liverpool Telescope to continue our involvement in its observations and analysis of optical afterglows of Gamma Ray Bursts. This research work resulted in publication of our results in a number of high profile papers in astronomical literature, which enhanced the understanding of these objects, their energetics and environment.
We also put this experience in the project of automation of the 0.7-m Vega telescope and initiation of spectroscopic observations with it; the significant experience gained is useful also in view of our involvement in the Gaia mission planned by European Space Agency, particularly in Gaia's Radial velocity spectrometer group.