JANUS: Exploring the high redshift universe

D. N. Burrows, P. W.A. Roming, D. B. Fox, T. L. Herter, A. Falcone, S. Bilén, J. A. Nousek, J. A. Kennea

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

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) provide extremely luminous background light sources that can be used to study the high redshift universe out to z ∼ 12. Identification of high-z GRBs has been difficult to date because no good high-z indicators have been found in the prompt or afterglow emission of GRBs, so ground-based spectroscopic observations are required. JANUS is an Explorer mission that incorporates a GRB locator and a near-IR telescope with low resolution spectroscopic capability so that it can measure the redshifts of GRBs immediately after their discovery. It is expected to discover 50 GRBs with z > 5 as well as hundreds of high redshift quasars. JANUS will facilitate study of the reionization phase, star formation, and galaxy formation in the very early universe. Here we discuss the mission design and status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010
Subtitle of host publicationUltraviolet to Gamma Ray
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 28 2010Jul 2 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7732
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period6/28/107/2/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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