Swift Burst Alert Telescope

The Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) is a highly sensitive instrument onboard the Swift satellite that detects sudden, intense bursts of gamma rays from space, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). When it detects a burst, BAT quickly determines its location, allowing Swift to swiftly reorient itself and point its other instruments at the source for detailed observation. This rapid response helps astronomers study extreme cosmic events in real-time, providing valuable insights into phenomena like explosive star collapses and black hole formation. In essence, BAT acts as an alert system that quickly identifies and locates energetic cosmic flashes for further investigation.