a. Go to the website for the NASA Swift Gamma-Ray observatory (swift.gsfc.nasa.gov), which studies gamma-ray bursts. Click on "Latest Swift News" and look for a story about supermassive black holes. What has been discovered? b. Go to the website for NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array- http://www.nustar.caltech.edu), a space telescope launched by NASA in 2012 . This mission is studying active galaxies hosting supermassive black holes. What type of telescope is this (wavelengths observed, general design)? What has been discovered?

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are extremely energetic explosions that occur in distant galaxies.
They are the brightest electromagnetic events known to occur in the universe and can last from milliseconds to several minutes.
GRBs are believed to result from massive stars collapsing into black holes or from the merger of neutron stars. GRBs are classified into two types based on their duration and spectral properties:

• Short GRBs: Last less than two seconds and are thought to result from the merger of binary neutron stars.
• Long GRBs: Last more than two seconds and are associated with the death of massive stars.

NASA's Swift Observatory is dedicated to studying these powerful phenomena. Swift was launched to not only detect GRBs but also to understand their aftermath by observing other wavelengths of light like X-rays and optical. The swift detection and follow-up of these bursts help astronomers to learn more about the most catastrophic events in the cosmos and the formation of black holes.

Understanding GRBs can also provide insights into the early universe since they are so distant and thus give us a view into the past.
The study of GRBs can also help in the detection of gravitational waves, adding a multi-messenger dimension to our observation of the universe.

NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array) is an X-ray telescope launched by NASA in 2012.
It operates in a higher energy range compared to previous X-ray telescopes. Here are some characteristics and discoveries of NuSTAR:

• Wavelengths Observed: NuSTAR observes high-energy X-rays in the range of 3 to 79 keV (kiloelectron volts). This focus allows it to see through dust and gas that can obscure other telescopes.
• General Design: NuSTAR comprises two co-aligned, barrel-shaped telescopes that focus X-rays onto solid-state detectors. It uses optics that consist of nested shells which reflect and focus the X-rays, unlike mirrors used in optical telescopes.
• Discoveries: NuSTAR has made significant contributions to understanding supermassive black holes. It has observed the corona, the hot region of gas around these black holes, and studied how it contributes to the emission of high-energy X-rays. Additionally, NuSTAR has provided valuable data on starburst galaxies, supernova remnants, and even our own Sun's X-ray activities.

By observing high-energy X-rays, NuSTAR helps researchers understand the most energetic and exotic objects in the universe and the processes powering them.
Its detailed imaging and spectral analysis capabilities make it an invaluable tool for cosmic exploration.

NASA's Swift Observatory was launched in 2004 with the primary objective of studying gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).
It offers rapid-response capabilities to study transient phenomena in the universe. Here are some of its key features and findings:

• Components: Swift is equipped with three main instruments designed to function together to detect and observe GRBs across a broad spectrum of light:
• Burst Alert Telescope (BAT): Detects the initial gamma-ray burst.
• X-ray Telescope (XRT): Observes the afterglow in the X-ray spectrum.
• Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT): Captures data in the ultraviolet and optical wavelengths.


• Rapid Slewing: Upon detecting a GRB, Swift can swiftly reorient itself to observe the burst and its afterglow in multiple wavelengths, thanks to its rapid slewing capabilities.


• Discoveries: Swift has recorded thousands of GRBs since its launch. Its observations have shed light on the mechanisms of GRBs and their relation to supernovae. It also helps in identifying the locations of these bursts, guiding other telescopes for follow-up studies.

By facilitating quick detections and follow-up observations, the Swift Observatory plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of dynamic cosmic events like GRBs and their connections to other phenomena, including black holes and neutron stars.