GRID for students: a network to monitor the gamma-ray sky for multi-messenger astronomy
Abstract
In the near future, ground based gravitational wave (GW) detectors will routinely detect neutron star mergers in the local universe. An all-sky monitor in the gamma-ray band is important to understand the gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) associated with the mergers and may help obtain a better localization accuracy needed for follow-ups at longer wavelengths. We propose to deploy at least 10 identical scintillation detectors, named the gamma-ray integrated detectors or GRID, distributed in low earth orbits using CubeSats to monitor the whole gamma-ray sky from 10 keV to 10 MeV. In combination with different techniques (interplanetary network and flux modulation), GRID is capable of localizing a GRB within 200 Mpc in synergy with GW detections (with a horizon of 200 Mpc around 2020) with an accuracy of around 1 degree for an on-axis event or about 10-15 degrees for a GRB170817A like event. GRID is a student project. As a platform to train students how to organize a large science project, it was proposed and developed mainly by undergraduate students, and will be operated by students in the future. The current GRID collaboration involves 12 institutes and keeps growing. New members from all over the world are welcome. Here we will introduce the science with GRID, the detectors, current progresses, and future perspectives.
- Publication:
-
42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018cosp...42E.501C