Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2003-08-11
Nature 426:154-157,2003
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Accepted to Nature
Scientific paper
10.1038/nature01998
Past studies suggest that long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have a standard energy of E_gamma ~ 10^51 erg in ultra-relativistic ejecta when corrected for asymmetry ("jets"). However, recently a group of sub-energetic bursts, including the peculiar GRB 980425 associated with SN 1998bw (E_gamma ~ 10^48 erg), has been identified. Here we report radio observations of GRB 030329, the nearest burst to date, which allow us to undertake calorimetry of the explosion. Our observations require a two-component explosion: a narrow (5 degrees) ultra-relativistic component responsible for the gamma-rays and early afterglow, and a wide, mildly relativistic component responsible for the radio and optical afterglow beyond 1.5 days. While the gamma-rays are energetically minor, the total energy release, dominated by the wide component, is similar to that of other GRBs. Given the firm link of GRB 030329 with SN 2003dh our result suggests a common origin for cosmic explosions in which, for reasons not understood, the energy in the highest velocity ejecta is highly variable
Berger Edmond
Fox Derek W.
Frail Dale A.
Kulkarni Sanjeev R.
McIntyre Vince
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