Rapid Eye Mount telescope

The Rapid Eye Mount (REM) telescope is a 60 cm rapid-reaction automatic telescope at La Silla, and since October 2002 it has been operated by the REM team for the INAF (Italian National Institute for Astrophysics), a distributed group with its headquarters at the Brera Observatory (Italy). The main purpose of the REM Telescope is to promptly follow up on the afterglows of gamma-ray bursts detected by the NASA/ASI/STFC Swift satellite. REM is triggered by a signal from Swift, or another satellite, and quickly points to the designated area. In 2007, thanks to REM, astronomers measured the velocity of the material from the explosions known as gamma-ray bursts for the first time. The material is travelling at an extraordinary speed, more than 99.999% of the speed of light (eso0726)

Science goals

Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) follow-up, ISM & IGM, high z universe.

Science highlights with the REM telescope

- ESO telescopes observe first light from gravitational wave source (eso1733).

- Brightest gamma-ray burst provides wealth of information on how stars explode (eso0828).

- Astronomers measure the velocity of the explosions known as gamma-ray bursts (eso0726).

Links

  • More information is provided on the REM web page.

Live Webcam


Live Webcam: REM outdoor looking North. More webcams.

Rapid Eye Mount telescope

Name: Rapid Eye Mount telescope
Site: La Silla
Altitude: 2375 m
Enclosure: Classical dome
Type: Robotic optical & near-infrared telescope
Optical design: Ritchey-Chrétien reflector
Diameter. Primary M1: 0.60 m
Material. Primary M1: Astro Sitall
Diameter. Secondary M2: 0.23 m
Material. Secondary M2: Astro Sitall
Mount: Alt-Azimuth mount
First Light date: 25 June 2003
Images taken with REM: Link
Images of REM: Link
Videos of REM: Link
Press releases with the REM: Link