Acquisition of a Rapid Response Robotic Telescope for Astronomical Research and Education at Norfolk State University

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AST-0421186 -- Salgado/Norfolk StateThe Rapid Response Robotic Telescope is for the photometric and polarimetric study of gamma-ray bursts optical afterglows. The UBVR and near-IR magnitudes and polarization will be measured during the first few minutes after the gamma-ray burst is detected by satellite missions. This project will increase diversity in the astronomical community and provide astronomy outreach for the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area. The Rapid Response Robotic Telescope will be an important component in Norfolk State University's astronomy program, and will enhance the university's general public outreach through collaborations with local public school systems and amateur groups. The instrument will be located at the Fan Mountain Observatory near Charlottesville, Virginia, and will be a 0.6 m telescope on an equatorial fork mount. It will be fully automatic and controllable from the Norfolk State University campus.