The X-ray telescope on board Swift: Status and main results

G. Tagliaferri, S. Campana, G. Chincarini, P. Giommi, G. Cusumano, D. N. Burrows, J. E. Hill, J. A. Kennea, J. A. Nousek, J. P. Osborne, P. T. O'Brien, A. Wells, L. Angelini

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The X-ray Telescope (XRT), on board the Swift satellite, provides: automated source detection and position with few arcsecond accuracy within few seconds from target acquisition; CCD spectroscopy and imaging capability (0.2-10 keV), with the capability of detecting a milliCrab source in about 10 seconds; automatic adjusting of the CCD readout mode to optimize the science return as the source fades. Swift main scientific goal is the study of gamma-ray burst (GRBs). XRT can observe GRB afterglows over several orders of magnitude in flux. The first results obtained during the first ten months of operation confirm that XRT is fully compliant with the requirements and is providing excellent results. In particular it is detecting a very steep decay in the early X-ray light curve of many afterglows. Often there are also strong flares superimposed to the X-ray light curve, probably related to the continued internal engine activity. XRT is also localising for the first time the X-ray counterparts to short bursts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationX-ray Universe 2005
Pages865-870
Number of pages6
Edition604
StatePublished - Apr 10 2006
EventX-ray Universe 2005 - Madrid, Spain
Duration: Sep 26 2005Sep 30 2005

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Number604
Volume2
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Other

OtherX-ray Universe 2005
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMadrid
Period9/26/059/30/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The X-ray telescope on board Swift: Status and main results'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this