Short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and their afterglows are difficult to observe because a. it is difficult to build cameras that can take pictures in less than 2 seconds. b. they are faint, so exposure times must be longer than 2 seconds to detect them. c. by the time they are detected, the light has traveled so far that astronomers do not know where they are. d. it is difficult to move other telescopes fast enough to observe them once they've been detected.

Gamma-ray astronomy is the study of the universe through the observation of gamma rays. Gamma rays are the highest-energy form of light, with wavelengths shorter than those of X-rays. They are created by some of the most violent and energetic processes in the universe, such as supernovae, neutron stars, and particularly gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).
Gamma rays help us understand extreme cosmic events and the conditions around black holes and neutron stars. However, observing them is extremely challenging because they cannot be detected with regular optical telescopes. They require special instruments that can capture their high energy.
The most important mission in gamma-ray astronomy is designing and deploying space-based telescopes because Earth's atmosphere absorbs gamma rays. Satellites such as the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope are essential for detecting and studying these high-energy phenomena.

Observing astronomical phenomena like short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is incredibly challenging. One major issue is their transient nature. Short GRBs can last less than 2 seconds, making them very difficult to catch in action.
Additionally, there are several other significant challenges in this field:

• Brightness and Timing: Despite their high energy, the bursts are fleeting and faint, requiring precise timing to detect.
• Localization: Even if a gamma-ray burst is detected, quickly determining its exact position in the sky can be tough. The further it is, the more spread out its signal becomes.
• Instrument Reaction Time: Moving telescopes and equipment fast enough to capture these ephemeral events is critical. Telescopes need to pivot and focus on the burst almost immediately upon detection.
• Environmental Factors: Earth's atmosphere absorbs gamma rays, requiring observatories to be in space or at high altitudes.

These challenges necessitate advanced technology and coordinated efforts from global astronomical networks for successful observations.

Telescope technology has evolved significantly to overcome the challenges of observing gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and other high-energy astrophysical events. Here are some key advancements and technologies used:

• Space-based Telescopes: Since gamma rays are absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, space-based telescopes like the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope are crucial. They provide a clear view of the universe in gamma wavelengths.
• Rapid Pointing Mechanisms: To capture short GRBs, telescopes now include rapid pointing mechanisms. These allow telescopes to quickly focus on a detected burst, ensuring they do not miss the fleeting event.
• Advanced Detectors: Modern telescopes use highly sensitive gamma-ray detectors, such as scintillation detectors and semiconductor detectors, that can efficiently capture and analyze gamma-ray photons.
• Data Integration: Observatories often integrate data from multiple telescopes worldwide. This collaboration improves the accuracy of GRB localization and analysis.

These technologies make it possible to study the most extreme and energetic events in the universe, providing invaluable insights into the cosmos.