Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-05-19
Astrophys.J. 580 (2002) 1017-1023
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Scientific paper
10.1086/343858
Recently observed emission lines in the X-ray afterglow of gamma ray bursts suggest that iron group elements are either produced in the gamma ray burst, or are present nearby. If this material is the product of a thermonuclear burn, then such material would be expected to be rich in Nickel-56. If the nickel remains partially ionized, this prevents the electron capture reaction normally associated with the decay of Nickel-56, dramatically increasing the decay timescale. Here we examine the consequences of rapid ejection of a fraction of a solar mass of iron group material from the center of a collapsar/hypernova. The exact rate of decay then depends on the details of the ionization and therefore the ejection process. Future observations of iron, nickel and cobalt lines can be used to diagnose the origin of these elements and to better understand the astrophysical site of gamma ray bursts. In this model, the X-ray lines of these iron-group elements could be detected in suspected hypernovae that did not produce an observable gamma ray burst due to beaming.
McLaughlin Gail C.
Wijers Ralph A. M. J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Delayed Nickel Decay in Gamma Ray Bursts 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 Delayed Nickel Decay in Gamma Ray Bursts, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Delayed Nickel Decay in Gamma Ray Bursts will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-11802