GRBlog FAQ

See our paper on astro-ph.

• What is the purpose of GRBlog?
• How is GRBlog different than other GRB sites?
• Who is in charge of GRBlog?
• Who do I report problems/errors to?
• What's next for GRBlog?
• How can I acknowledge GRBlog in my paper?

What is the purpose of GRBlog?

The purpose of GRBlog is to collect all observational data related to gamma ray bursts in a single database, and provide researchers with easy access to the data. It is a goal of this site to pull out all the observational data from each observation report (ie. GCN Circ.), and provide simple retrieval tools so that the members of the GRB community won't have to.

How is GRBlog different than other GRB sites?

Other web sites have static web pages which typically show all the messages related to a given burst on a single page. In contrast, pages on the GRBlog site are dynamically created, giving the users great flexibility in how the data are displayed, and ensuring its content is as current as the database. Furthermore, the actual observational data is extracted from each message and can be displayed conveniently to the user. For example, one could search for the names of all GRBs with a fluence greater than 1e-6 erg/cm^2, and duration longer than 5 seconds that were observed in the R band within 12 hours of the burst trigger, but had no detected afterglow to a limiting magnitude of 19. Really. Click here and I'll do it.

Who is in charge of GRBlog?

GRBlog was conceived and implemented by Robert Quimby, a graduate student at the University of Texas. Robert is in charge of the software and site design. Most of the data has been input by Erin McMahon, another Texas graduate student, and Jeremy Murphy, a Texas undergrad.

Who do I report problems/errors to?

Please notify Robert Quimby (quimby at astro dot as dot utexas dot edu) of any errors in accessing the GRBlog database. Feel free to let him know of any suggestions you have to improve the site. Please report any message or data errors to both Robert and Erin (emcmahon at astro dot as dot utexas dot edu) for faster response.

What's next for GRBlog?

We will improve GRBlog by continuing to fill the database with messages, and by extending its search and display capabilities.

How can I acknowledge GRBlog in my paper?

Firstly, none of the data on this site is unique to GRBlog, so always reference the source of the data you use (ie. the GCN Circ.), or consider including the contributors on your author list. Always be sure to verify all data directly with its source! If you find GRBlog helpful to your research, let us know. You can cite our 2003 GRB Conference proceedings paper or acknowledge us in your paper with a link to our home page.