The AXAF technology program: The optical flats tests

The results of a technology program aimed at determining the limits of surface polishing for reflecting X-ray telescopes is presented. This program is part of the major task of developing the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility (AXAF). By studying the optical properties of state-of-the-art polished flat surfaces, conclusions were drawn as to the potential capability of AXAF. Surface microtopography of the flats as well as their figure are studied by X-ray, visual, and mechanical techniques. These techniques and their results are described. The employed polishing techniques are more than adequate for the specifications of the AXAF mirrors

High time resolution observation of the transient event of 5 March 1979

The detection of an intense gamma ray burst with the monitor proportional counter on the HEAO 2 spacecraft is discussed with particular emphasis on the measurement of the time of onset of the event. Based on the mean observed counting rate in the burst and assuming a sharp rise, the uncertainty in the burst onset is found to be + or - 220 microseconds. The time of occurrence was 57124.826908 + or - 0.000220 s UT on March 5, 1979, and the location of the HEAO 2 satellite at this time was latitude 22.15 deg, longitude -27.60 deg at an altitude of 525.0 km