Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2011-04-28
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Submitted to ApJL
Scientific paper
The possibility that long tidal tails formed during compact object mergers may power optical transients through the decay of freshly synthesized r-process material is investigated. Precise modeling of the merger dynamics allows for a realistic determination of the thermodynamic conditions in the ejected debris. The results of hydrodynamic and full nuclear network calculations are combined to calculate the resultant r-process abundances and the heating of the material by their decays. The subsequent homologous structure is mapped into a radiative transfer code to synthesize emergent model light curves and determine how their properties (variability and color evolution) depend on the mass ratio and orientation of the merging binary. The radiation emanating from the ejected debris, though less spectacular than a typical supernova, should be observable in transient surveys and we estimate the associated detection rates. The case for (or against) compact object mergers as the progenitors of short gamma-ray bursts can be tested if such electromagnetic transients are detected (or not) in coincidence with some bursts, although they may be obscured by on-axis afterglows.
Kasen Dan
Lee William H.
Ramirez-Ruiz Enrico
Roberts Luke F.
No associations
LandOfFree
Electromagnetic Transients Powered by Nuclear Decay in the Tidal Tails of Coalescing Compact Binaries 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 Electromagnetic Transients Powered by Nuclear Decay in the Tidal Tails of Coalescing Compact Binaries, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electromagnetic Transients Powered by Nuclear Decay in the Tidal Tails of Coalescing Compact Binaries will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-16846