The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory

XRT and UVOT Image of GRB 080319B

XRT and UVOT Image of GRB 080319B

On March 19, 2008, Swift discovered a bright Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB 080319B). The image shows the X-ray afterglow as seen by the X-Ray Telescope (left) and the bright optical afterglow as observed by the Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope on board Swift.

Credit: NASA/Swift/Stefan Immler

Pi of the Sky Image of GRB 080319B

Pi of the Sky Image of GRB 080319B

The bright optical afterglow of GRB 080319B was seen by "Pi of the Sky", a Polish project that is monitoring Gamma-Ray Burst afterglows and other transient events in the sky. At peak, GRB 080319B reached a magnitude of 5.6 which is visible with the naked eye.

Credit: Pi of the Sky