Swift Observatory

The Swift Observatory, officially known as the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, is a space telescope launched in 2004. It is designed to study gamma-ray bursts—intense flashes of energy that occur in distant galaxies. Swift quickly detects these bursts and automatically follows up with observations in different wavelengths, including X-ray and optical light. This rapid response helps scientists understand the nature of these explosive events, their origins, and contributions to the universe’s evolution. Swift's unique capabilities have made significant advancements in the field of astronomy, particularly in understanding high-energy astrophysical phenomena.