The Discovery of the Optical Transient for GR010222 (Abstract)

Volume 30 number 1 (2002)

Arne A. Henden

Abstract

(Abstract only) On February 22, 2001, a very bright gamma-ray burst was detected by the Italian BeppoSAX satellite. The localization was posted about 4 hours after the burst. Prompt notification by phone and by the AAVSO Gamma-Ray Burst Network pager alert system resulted in the discovery of the optical afterglow within the first hour after the localization posting. This paper gives a brief history of the event and how the AAVSO was essential to the discovery.