Posted: Thu, Dec 19, 2002, 9:00 AM ET (1400 GMT)
The first data from Integral, a European gamma-ray observatory launched in October, were released to the public Wednesday. Integral initially observed Cygnus X-1, a suspected black hole 10,000 light-years from the Earth. During those observations Integral also serendipitously observed a gamma-ray burst. The observations were used to show that the spacecraft's instruments are in good health. The spacecraft carries two primary gamma-ray instruments as well as x-ray and optical camera to permit simultaneous observations over a wide range of wavelengths. The spacecraft was launched October 17 on a Russian Proton rocket and placed into an elliptical orbit ranging from 9,000 to 153,000 kilometers from the Earth. Integral is expected to be ready for regular scientific observations by the end of the month.

Related Links:

•  ESA press release
•  BBC article
•  Sky and Telescope article