scholarly journals Constraints on the circumburst environments of short gamma-ray bursts

2020 ◽  
Vol 495 (4) ◽  
pp. 4782-4799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan O’Connor ◽  
Paz Beniamini ◽  
Chryssa Kouveliotou
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Galactic Halo ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Host Galaxies ◽  
Binary Neutron Star ◽  
Range Of Values ◽  
Short Grbs

ABSTRACT Observational follow up of well localized short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs) has left $20\!-\!30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the population without a coincident host galaxy association to deep optical and NIR limits (≳26 mag). These SGRBs have been classified as observationally hostless due to their lack of strong host associations. It has been argued that these hostless SGRBs could be an indication of the large distances traversed by the binary neutron star system (due to natal kicks) between its formation and its merger (leading to an SGRB). The distances of GRBs from their host galaxies can be indirectly probed by the surrounding circumburst densities. We show that a lower limit on those densities can be obtained from early afterglow light curves. We find that ${\lesssim}16{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of short GRBs in our sample took place at densities ≲10−4 cm−3. These densities represent the expected range of values at distances greater than the host galaxy’s virial radii. We find that out of the five SGRBs in our sample that have been found to be observationally hostless, none are consistent with having occurred beyond the virial radius of their birth galaxies. This implies one of two scenarios. Either these observationally hostless SGRBs occurred outside of the half-light radius of their host galaxy, but well within the galactic halo, or in host galaxies at moderate to high redshifts (z ≳ 2) that were missed by follow-up observations.

Precursors of short gamma-ray bursts detected by the INTEGRAL observatory

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 1844013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel Minaev ◽  
Alexei Pozanenko ◽  
Sergei Molkov
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Light Curve ◽  
Relative Intensity ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Upper Limits ◽  
Short Grbs

We have analyzed the light curves of 527 short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) registered by the SPI-ACS, SPI and IBIS/ISGRI experiments of INTEGRAL observatory totally to search for precursors. Both the light curves of each 527 individual burst and the averaged light curve of 372 brightest SPI-ACS bursts have been analyzed. In a few cases, we have found and investigated precursor candidates using SPI-ACS, SPI and IBIS/ISGRI of INTEGRAL, GBM and LAT of Fermi data. No convincing evidence for the existence of precursors of short GRBs has been found. A statistical analysis of the averaged light curve for the sample of brightest short bursts has revealed no regular precursor. Upper limits for the relative intensity of precursors have been estimated. We show that the fraction of short GRBs with precursors is less than 0.4% of all short bursts, detected by INTEGRAL.

scholarly journals DESAlert: Enabling Real-Time Transient Follow-Up with Dark Energy Survey Data

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Poci ◽  
K. Kuehn ◽  
T. Abbott ◽  
F. B. Abdalla ◽  
S. Allam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dark Energy ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Host Galaxies ◽  
Gamma Ray Burst ◽  
Dark Energy Survey ◽  
Data Products ◽  
Energy Survey

AbstractThe Dark Energy Survey is undertaking an observational programme imaging 1/4 of the southern hemisphere sky with unprecedented photometric accuracy. In the process of observing millions of faint stars and galaxies to constrain the parameters of the dark energy equation of state, the Dark Energy Survey will obtain pre-discovery images of the regions surrounding an estimated 100 gamma-ray bursts over 5 yr. Once gamma-ray bursts are detected by, e.g., the Swift satellite, the DES data will be extremely useful for follow-up observations by the transient astronomy community. We describe a recently-commissioned suite of software that listens continuously for automated notices of gamma-ray burst activity, collates information from archival DES data, and disseminates relevant data products back to the community in near-real-time. Of particular importance are the opportunities that non-public DES data provide for relative photometry of the optical counterparts of gamma-ray bursts, as well as for identifying key characteristics (e.g., photometric redshifts) of potential gamma-ray burst host galaxies. We provide the functional details of the DESAlert software, and its data products, and we show sample results from the application of DESAlert to numerous previously detected gamma-ray bursts, including the possible identification of several heretofore unknown gamma-ray burst hosts.

scholarly journals No supernovae detected in two long-duration gamma-ray bursts

2007 ◽  
Vol 365 (1854) ◽  
pp. 1269-1275 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Watson ◽  
J.P.U Fynbo ◽  
C.C Thöne ◽  
J Sollerman
Keyword(s):  
Massive Star ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Compact Star ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Core Collapse ◽  
Host Galaxies ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Spiral Arm

There is strong evidence that long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are produced during the collapse of a massive star. In the standard version of the collapsar model, a broad-lined and luminous Type Ic core-collapse supernova (SN) accompanies the GRB. This association has been confirmed in observations of several nearby GRBs. Recent observations show that some long-duration GRBs are different. No SN emission accompanied the long-duration GRBs 060505 and 060614 down to limits fainter than any known Type Ic SN and hundreds of times fainter than the archetypal SN 1998bw that accompanied GRB 980425. Multi-band observations of the early afterglows, as well as spectroscopy of the host galaxies, exclude the possibility of significant dust obscuration. Furthermore, the bursts originated in star-forming galaxies, and in the case of GRB 060505, the burst was localized to a compact star-forming knot in a spiral arm of its host galaxy. We find that the properties of the host galaxies, the long duration of the bursts and, in the case of GRB 060505, the location of the burst within its host, all imply a massive stellar origin. The absence of an SN to such deep limits therefore suggests a new phenomenological type of massive stellar death.

scholarly journals Towards Improving the Prospects for Coordinated Gravitational-Wave and Electromagnetic Observations

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S285) ◽  
pp. 358-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilya Mandel ◽  
Luke Z. Kelley ◽  
Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Prior Information ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Optimal Parameter ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Binary Neutron Star ◽  
Quantitative Estimates ◽  
Optimal Parameter Estimation ◽  
Parameter Estimation Techniques

AbstractWe discuss two approaches to searches for gravitational-wave (GW) and electromagnetic (EM) counterparts of binary neutron-star mergers. The first approach relies on triggering archival searches of GW detector data based on detections of EM transients. Quantitative estimates of the improvement to GW detector reach due to the increased confidence in the presence and parameters of a signal from a binary merger gained from the EM transient suggest utilizing other transients in addition to short gamma-ray bursts. The second approach involves following up GW candidates with targeted EM observations. We argue for the use of slower but optimal parameter-estimation techniques and for a more sophisticated use of astrophysical prior information, including galaxy catalogues to find preferred follow-up locations.

scholarly journals Detecting the imprint of a kilonova or supernova in short gamma-ray burst afterglows

2018 ◽  
Vol 620 ◽  
pp. A131 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Guessoum ◽  
H. Zitouni ◽  
R. Mochkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
External Medium ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Opening Angle ◽  
Expansion Velocity ◽  
First Case ◽  
Uniform Medium ◽  
Mass Expansion

Context. Short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) result from mergers of two neutron stars or from collapsars, but probably at a smaller rate. In the first case, a kilonova occurs while in the second case a Type Ic supernova is expected. Aims. Even if future observations of kilonovae in association with gravitational wave events provide better data, detecting a kilonova during an afterglow follow-up would remain useful for exploring the diversity of the kilonova phenomenon. As supernovae produce a weaker gravitational signal, afterglow follow-up will be the only possible method to find one. In this work, we identify the conditions of the burst energy, external density, kilonova mass, supernova luminosity, that are necessary for the detection of a kilonova or supernova in the follow-up of short GRB afterglows. Methods. We have used a simple kilonova model to obtain the peak luminosities and times as a function of mass, expansion velocity and ejected matter opacity. Afterglow light curves are computed for a uniform medium and a stellar wind, in the kilonova and supernova cases, respectively. Results. We represent, using diagrams of the burst kinetic energy vs. density of the external medium, the domains where the kilonova or supernova at maximum is brighter than the afterglow. In the kilonova case we vary the mass, the jet opening angle and the microphysics parameters; for supernovae, we consider SN 98bw-like and ten times dimmer events, and again vary the jet opening angle and the microphysics parameters.

scholarly journals The diversity of GRBs and their SNe: Observations from the 10.4m GTC

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (S331) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
Antonio de Ugarte Postigo ◽  
Christina Thöne ◽  
Zach Cano ◽  
David Alexander Kann ◽  
Luca Izzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Massive Stars ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Compact Objects ◽  
The Past ◽  
Photometric And Spectroscopic Observations ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Short Grbs

AbstractObserving the supernovae (SNe) associated to the different types of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is one of the few means to study their progenitors. In the past years, it has become clear that GRB-like events are more heterogeneous than previously thought. There is a marked difference between long GRBs, which are produced by the collapse of very massive stars and are normally associated with broad-lined type Ic SNe, and short bursts, which occur when two compact objects merge and that, at least in some cases, can produce an associated kilonova. Moreover, the SNe associated with different sub-types of long GRBs are also seen to differ, especially those associated with ultra-long duration GRBs. To address this issue in a systematic way we started an observing programme in 2010 at the 10.4m GTC telescope. Here we present some results of our programme, including the detection of 12 new GRB-SNe. Highlights of our sample are the discovery of the first spectroscopic SN associated with a highly energetic (Eγ, iso ~ 1054 erg) “cosmological” burst (GRB 130427A), the study of the SN associated with a shock-breakout GRB (GRB 140606B) and the SN associated with the peculiar ultra-long GRB 101225A at z = 0.85. The sample includes also the follow-up of several short GRBs in search for kilonovae emission (GRB 130603B and GRB 160821B are important examples). Amongst our latest results we present the photometric and spectroscopic observations of the SNe associated with GRB 150818A and GRB 161219B.

scholarly journals Analysis of broad-lined Type Ic supernovae from the (intermediate) Palomar Transient Factory

2019 ◽  
Vol 621 ◽  
pp. A71 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Taddia ◽  
J. Sollerman ◽  
C. Fremling ◽  
C. Barbarino ◽  
E. Karamehmetoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binary Systems ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Close Binary ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Scaling Relations ◽  
Homogeneous Sample ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Absolute Magnitudes

We study 34 Type Ic supernovae that have broad spectral features (SNe Ic-BL). This is the only SN type found in association with long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We obtained our photometric data with the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) and its continuation, the intermediate PTF (iPTF). This is the first large, homogeneous sample of SNe Ic-BL from an untargeted survey. Furthermore, given the high observational cadence of iPTF, most of these SNe Ic-BL were discovered soon after explosion. We present K-corrected Bgriz light curves of these SNe, obtained through photometry on template-subtracted images. We analyzed the shape of the r-band light curves, finding a correlation between the decline parameter Δm15 and the rise parameter Δm−10. We studied the SN colors and, based on g − r, we estimated the host-galaxy extinction for each event. Peak r-band absolute magnitudes have an average of −18.6 ± 0.5 mag. We fit each r-band light curve with that of SN 1998bw (scaled and stretched) to derive the explosion epochs. We computed the bolometric light curves using bolometric corrections, r-band data, and g − r colors. Expansion velocities from Fe II were obtained by fitting spectral templates of SNe Ic. Bolometric light curves and velocities at peak were fitted using the semianalytic Arnett model to estimate ejecta mass Mej, explosion energy EK and 56Ni mass M(56Ni) for each SN. We find average values of Mej = 4 ± 3 M⊙, EK = (7 ± 6)×1051 erg, and M(56Ni)=0.31  ±  0.16 M⊙. The parameter distributions were compared to those presented in the literature and are overall in agreement with them. We also estimated the degree of 56Ni mixing using scaling relations derived from hydrodynamical models and we find that all the SNe are strongly mixed. The derived explosion parameters imply that at least 21% of the progenitors of SNe Ic-BL are compatible with massive (> 28 M⊙), possibly single stars, whereas at least 64% might come from less massive stars in close binary systems.

scholarly journals GRB 100816A and the nature of intermediate duration gamma-ray bursts

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S279) ◽  
pp. 415-416
Author(s):  
Rachel L. Tunnicliffe ◽  
Andrew Levan
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Short Grbs

AbstractGamma-ray bursts are normally split into two classes, primarily determined by their observed duration, so called long (> 2s) and short (< 2s) GRBs. There have been many claims of a third duration class, with emission lasting for intermediate periods between 2 - 5s, although the reality of this class remains controversial. Here, we investigate this further utilising the 2.9s duration, spectrally hard GRB 100816A. This burst lies well offset from its host galaxy, has no evidence for an associated supernova (albeit to only moderately constraining limits), and has properties which appear to be genuinely intermediate between long- and short- population bursts. We extend this analysis by comparing the physical locations of a population of intermediate duration GRBs with those of short-GRBs and long-GRBs, concluding that the intermediate sample is indistinguishable from the long-GRB population, whose locations are very different from other transients.

scholarly journals Lyman continuum leakage in faint star-forming galaxies at redshift z = 3−3.5 probed by gamma-ray bursts

2020 ◽  
Vol 641 ◽  
pp. A30
Author(s):  
J.-B. Vielfaure ◽  
S. D. Vergani ◽  
J. Japelj ◽  
J. P. U. Fynbo ◽  
M. Gronke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Redshift ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Host Galaxies ◽  
Faint Star ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Lyman Continuum

Context. The identification of the sources that reionized the Universe and their specific contribution to this process are key missing pieces of our knowledge of the early Universe. Faint star-forming galaxies may be the main contributors to the ionizing photon budget during the epoch of reionization, but their escaping photons cannot be detected directly due to inter-galactic medium opacity. Hence, it is essential to characterize the properties of faint galaxies with significant Lyman continuum (LyC) photon leakage up to z ∼ 4 to define indirect indicators allowing analogs to be found at the highest redshift. Aims. Long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) typically explode in star-forming regions of faint, star-forming galaxies. Through LGRB afterglow spectroscopy it is possible to detect directly LyC photons. Our aim is to use LGRBs as tools to study LyC leakage from faint, star-forming galaxies at high redshift. Methods. Here we present the observations of LyC emission in the afterglow spectra of GRB 191004B at z = 3.5055, together with those of the other two previously known LyC-leaking LGRB host galaxies (GRB 050908 at z = 3.3467, and GRB 060607A at z = 3.0749), to determine their LyC escape fraction and compare their properties. Results. From the afterglow spectrum of GRB 191004B we determine a neutral hydrogen column density at the LGRB redshift of log(NH I/cm−2) = 17.2 ± 0.15, and negligible extinction (AV = 0.03 ± 0.02 mag). The only metal absorption lines detected are C IV and Si IV. In contrast to GRB 050908 and GRB 060607A, the host galaxy of GRB 191004B displays significant Lyman-alpha (Lyα) emission. From its Lyα emission and the non-detection of Balmer emission lines we constrain its star-formation rate (SFR) to 1 ≤ SFR ≤ 4.7 M⊙ yr−1. We fit the Lyα emission with a shell model and find parameters values consistent with the observed ones. The absolute (relative) LyC escape fractions we find for GRB 191004B, GRB 050908 and GRB 060607A are of 0.35−0.11+0.10 (0.43−0.13+0.12), 0.08−0.04+0.05 (0.08−0.04+0.05) and 0.20−0.05+0.05 (0.45−0.15+0.15), respectively. We compare the LyC escape fraction of LGRBs to the values of other LyC emitters found from the literature, showing that LGRB afterglows can be powerful tools to study LyC escape for faint high-redshift star-forming galaxies. Indeed we could push LyC leakage studies to much higher absolute magnitudes. The host galaxies of the three LGRBs presented here have all M1600 >  −19.5 mag, with the GRB 060607A host at M1600 >  −16 mag. LGRB hosts may therefore be particularly suitable for exploring the ionizing escape fraction in galaxies that are too faint or distant for conventional techniques. Furthermore, the time involved is minimal compared to galaxy studies.

scholarly journals A search for fast-radio-burst-like emission from Fermi gamma-ray bursts

2020 ◽  
Vol 497 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mieke Bouwhuis ◽  
Keith W Bannister ◽  
Jean-Pierre Macquart ◽  
R M Shannon ◽  
David L Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radio Emission ◽  
Radio Burst ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Dispersion Measure ◽  
Radio Bursts ◽  
Square Kilometre Array ◽  
Fast Radio Burst ◽  
Short Grbs

ABSTRACT We report the results of the rapid follow-up observations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the Fermi satellite to search for associated fast radio bursts. The observations were conducted with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder at frequencies from 1.2 to 1.4 GHz. A set of 20 bursts, of which four were short GRBs, were followed up with a typical latency of about 1 min, for a duration of up to 11 h after the burst. The data were searched using 4096 dispersion measure trials up to a maximum dispersion measure of 3763 pc cm−3, and for pulse widths w over a range of duration from 1.256 to 40.48 ms. No associated pulsed radio emission was observed above $26 \, {\rm Jy\, ms}\, (w/1\, {\rm ms})^{-1/2}$ for any of the 20 GRBs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document