Electromagnetic Precursors of Short Gamma-Ray Bursts as Counterparts of Gravitational Waves

Precursor emissions are found in some short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs). In this paper, we review the theories and observations of the SGRB precursor and discuss its prospect as an electromagnetic counterpart of the gravitational wave event produced by neutron star (NS) mergers. The observed luminosity, spectrum, and duration of precursors are explained by the magnetospheric interaction model during the inspiral or the cocoon/jet shock breakout model during the jet propagation. In general, these two models predict that the precursor will be weaker than the main GRB, but will be of a larger opening angle, which makes it an advantageous gamma-ray counterpart for NS mergers in the local Universe, especially for NS - black hole mergers with very low mass ratios, in which the main GRBs are not expected. The joint observation of the precursor, SGRB, and gravitational wave will help to reveal the jet launch mechanism and post-merger remnant.

Electrical and magnetic data time series’ observations as an approach to identify the seismic activity of non-anthropic origin

In this work, the authors tried to identify a possible relationship between electromagnetic signals (EM) and seismic events in the lithospheric system in the central region of Colombia. The data, both seismic records and electromagnetic signals, were taken from the catalog of the Seismological Network of the National University of Colombia (RSUNAL) and the catalog of the National Seismological Network of Colombia (RSNC). The project included the design and instrument testing phases for recording seismic signals, electrical potential variations, and magnetic field variations to try to identify possible relationships between these signals. Possible electromagnetic precursors for seismic events were observed, mainly magnetic disturbances, but it was not possible to locate evident electrical anomalies (Seismic Electric Signals - SES). Thus, although the results are not conclusive, the magnetic disturbances identified deserve further long-term analysis.

Effectiveness of electromagnetic monitoring in studying earthquakes

Numerous researches conducted in connection with the study of earthquakes have shown that electromagnetic monitoring studies have led to some important results. From the Loma Prieta earthquake to the Guam earthquake, electromagnetic monitoring studies led to significant results. Since then, there have been numerous reports of possible elect-romagnetic precursors to earthquakes, some of which have involved frequencies covered by ELF/VLF (10—32 kHz) monitoring system Fraser-Smith et al. [1990]. Sometime later, they retrieved and started processing their ULF data. They had less reason to expect electromagnetic precursors in this latter data, because previous reports of precursory signals at frequencies below the ELF/VLF range have, with few exceptions, involved frequencies either below or predominantly below their ULF range (0.01—10 Hz) of operation. They found out that ELF/VLF data do not appear to show precursory activity, whereas ULF data contain a number of anomalous features that may prove to be earthquake precursors. The lack of observation of precursory ELF/VLF noise so close to the epicenters of several mode-rate to moderately-large earthquakes showed that ELF/VLF noise need not be a strong or obvious feature of every earthquake, as Fraser-Smith et al. [1990] reported in their paper. At present, numerous studies have been conducted in this area and researches are being improved. From my experience as a young researcher, it became clear that electromagnetic monitoring research is necessary, and that more important and significant results can be achieved if continuous research is conducted in a certain area. Thus, these studies may play a significant role in the detection of earthquake precursors.

Analytic properties of the electromagnetic field of binary compact stars and electromagnetic precursors to gravitational waves

We analytically study the properties of the electromagnetic field in the vacuum around close binary compact stars containing at least one neutron star. We show that the orbital motion of the neutron star induces high multipole modes of the electromagnetic field just before the merger. These modes are superimposed to form a spiral arm configuration, and its edge is found to be a likely site for magnetic reconnection. These modes also enhance the total Poynting flux from neutron star binaries by a factor of 2–4. We also indicate that the electric field induced by the orbital motion leads to a magnetosphere around binaries and estimate its plasma density, which has a different parameter dependence than the Goldreich–Julian density. With these properties, we discuss possible electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events, and identify radio precursors, such as fast radio bursts, as the most promising observational targets.

Integrating of GIS and GPS for ionospheric perturbations in D- and F-layers using VLF receiver

Regular monitoring of the D- and F-layers of ionosphere over Central Asia territory is being performed on the permanent basis starting year 2008 when one Very Low Frequency (VLF) receiver and two SuperSID receivers were provided to Uzbekistan IHY cite by Stanford University. The results obtained at Tashkent IHY (International Heliophysical Year) station are applied to earthquake electromagnetic precursors, lightning, and Solar flares and to ionospheric disturbances originating from gamma ray flares of Soft Gamma-Ray Repeaters. Regular monitoring of the D-layer of ionosphere over Central Asia territory has been performed on the permanent basis. Several Solar events are observed and the analysis has shown that there is simultaneous correlation between the times of change of amplitude of the waves and the Solar flares. Features of the lightning discharge generated by radio atmospherics are studied and its effectiveness in D-region ionosphere diagnostics is examined. We have mainly analyzed GPS derived TEC disturbances from two GPS stations located in Tashkent and Kitab, for possible earthquake ionospheric precursors. The solar and geomagnetic conditions were quiet during occurrence of the selected more than 30 earthquakes. We produced TEC time series over both sites and apply them to detect anomalous TEC signals preceding or accompanying the earthquakes. The results show anomalous enhancements which are examined in the earthquakes.