BATSE was a high energy astrophysics experiment in orbit around Earth
on NASA's Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory. The primary objective of BATSE
was to study the phenomenon of
gamma-ray bursts , although the detectors also
recorded data from
pulsars ,
terrestrial gamma-ray flashes ,
soft gamma repeaters,
black holes, and other exotic astrophysical
objects.
BATSE responded to, or triggered on,
sudden changes in count rates above background levels. It was also
capable of detecting less impulsive sources by measuring their modulation
using the Earth Occultation technique.
View a typical one-day
orbit of the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory.
A BATSE Detector Module (1 of 8)
The
Compton Gamma Ray Observatory
was removed from orbit by NASA on 4 June, 2000 bringing to an
end the successful 9-year CGRO mission.
During its operation, BATSE recorded 8000 triggered events .
Data from the GRB spectral catalog compiled by Adam Goldstein are
available for download in the
BATSE Spectral Catalog.
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