The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, previously known as the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Explorer, is a space observatory dedicated to the study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), one of the universe's most energetic and enigmatic phenomena. Launched in 2004, this mission is named in honor of Dr. Neil Gehrels, a prominent astrophysicist.
The observatory is equipped with three primary instruments: the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT), the X-ray Telescope (XRT), and the Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT). These instruments work together to detect and analyze GRBs and their afterglows across different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory's primary objectives include unraveling the origins and characteristics of GRBs, shedding light on their significance in astrophysics and cosmology, and providing insights into the early universe.
