Swift detects a remarkable gamma-ray burst, GRB 060614, that introduces a new classification scheme

Details Swift detects a remarkable gamma-ray burst, GRB 060614, that introduces a new classification scheme Swift detects a remarkable gamma-ray burst, GRB 060614, that introduces a new classification scheme

2006-10-20

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0610635v1

Nature 444:1044,2006

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

13 pages, 2 figures, accepted in Nature

Scientific paper

10.1038/nature05376

Gamma ray bursts (GRBs) are known to come in two duration classes, separated at ~2 s. Long bursts originate from star forming regions in galaxies, have accompanying supernovae (SNe) when near enough to observe and are likely caused by massive-star collapsars. Recent observations show that short bursts originate in regions within their host galaxies with lower star formation rates consistent with binary neutron star (NS) or NS - black hole (BH) mergers. Moreover, although their hosts are predominantly nearby galaxies, no SNe have been so far associated with short GRBs. We report here on the bright, nearby GRB 060614 that does not fit in either class. Its ~102 s duration groups it with long GRBs, while its temporal lag and peak luminosity fall entirely within the short GRB subclass. Moreover, very deep optical observations exclude an accompanying supernova, similar to short GRBs. This combination of a long duration event without accompanying SN poses a challenge to both a collapsar and merging NS interpretation and opens the door on a new GRB classification scheme that straddles both long and short bursts.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Swift detects a remarkable gamma-ray burst, GRB 060614, that introduces a new classification scheme does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Swift detects a remarkable gamma-ray burst, GRB 060614, that introduces a new classification scheme, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Swift detects a remarkable gamma-ray burst, GRB 060614, that introduces a new classification scheme will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-361521