Michael Prouza

The bright optical flash from GRB 060117

We present a discovery and observation of an extraordinarily bright prompt optical emission of the GRB 0601 17 obtained by a wide-field camera atop the robotic telescope FRAM of the Pierre Auger Observatory from 2 to 10 min after the GRB. We found rapid average temporal flux decay of a = -1.7 ± 0.1 and a peak brightness R = 10.1 mag. Later observations by other instruments set a strong limit on the optical and radio transient fluxes, unveiling an unexpectedly rapid further decay. We present an interpretation featuring a relatively steep electron-distribution parameter p ≃ 3.0 and providing a straightforward solution for the overall fast decay of this optical transient as a transition between reverse and forward shock.

BOOTES Observation of GRB 080603B

We report on multicolor photometry of long GRB080603B afterglow from BOOTES-1B and BOOTES-2. The optical afterglow has already been reported to present a break in the optical lightcurve at 0.12+/-0.2 days after the trigger. We construct the lightcurve and the spectral energy distribution and discuss the nature of the afterglow.

Operating a global network of autonomous observatories

We discuss our experiences operating a heterogeneous global network of autonomous observatories. The observatories are presently situated on four continents, with a fifth expected during the summer of 2010. The network nodes are small to intermediate diameter telescopes (<= 150 cm) owned by different institutions but running the same observatory control software. We report on the experience gained during construction, commissioning and operation of the observatories, as well as future plans. Problems encountered in the construction and operation of the nodes are summarised. Operational statistics as well as scientific results from the observatories are also presented.