SWIFT

Swift: Opportunities, Capabilities, and Data Handling

Rhaana Starling

The Swift satellite has proven a valuable tool for the exploration of the time domain. It is unique in its fast slew capability, of typically 70 seconds, coupled with simultaneous coverage in gamma-rays, X-rays, UV and optical. All Swift data are publicly available immediately, and Swift responds promptly to target of opportunity requests in addition to a full guest investigator programme. Science with Swift to date has been extremely varied, including studies of Gamma-Ray Bursts, SGRs, AGN, X-ray binaries, supernovae, CVs, flare stars and comets.

In this workshop, potential and current Swift users will get an overview of the capabilities of each Swift instrument, illustrated with science highlights, and the opportunities for observing with Swift. Both the ready-made science-grade products and core data analysis techniques will be discussed, along with the data archives. There will be an opportunity for hands-on data reduction under guidance from Swift team members for those who wish to do so.