Award Abstract #0722491
MRI: Acquisition of Improved Optics and New Instrumentation for a Research and Instructional Observatory

NSF Org:	AST Division of Astronomical Sciences
Initial Amendment Date:	August 17, 2007
Latest Amendment Date:	August 17, 2007
Award Number:	0722491
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Jeffrey R. Pier AST Division of Astronomical Sciences MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Start Date:	September 1, 2007
Expires:	August 31, 2009 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$213082
Investigator(s):	Daniel Caton catondb@appstate.edu (Principal Investigator) Richard Gray (Co-Principal Investigator) Joseph Pollock (Co-Principal Investigator) R. Lee Hawkins (Co-Principal Investigator) Jon Saken (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Appalachian State University P.O. Box 32068 Boone, NC 28608 828/262-8249
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR, 0000
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

The instrumentation and equipment acquired in this project will be used for research and teaching at Appalachian State''''s Dark Sky Observatory. Several telescopes will be upgraded for remote and/or automatic operation and two telescopes will be added to the developing Skynet GRB response system. These syetems will be used for optical followup observations of Gamma Ray Bursts as well as provide higher resolution and faster image reads for time-resolved photometry. The improved optics of the 32-inch telescope will offer better image quality increasing the efficiency of spectroscopy and the quality of crowded-field photometry.

This improved facility will give more opportunity for student training not only at Appalachian State but also to other students, nationally, and internationally, because of observing opportunities over the Internet.

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