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A link between prompt optical and prompt γ-ray emission in γ-ray bursts

Author

Listed:
  • W. T. Vestrand

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • P. R. Wozniak

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • J. A. Wren

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • E. E. Fenimore

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • T. Sakamoto

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • R. R. White

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • D. Casperson

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • H. Davis

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • S. Evans

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • M. Galassi

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • K. E. McGowan

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • J. A. Schier

    (The Pilot Group)

  • J. W. Asa

    (The Pilot Group)

  • S. D. Barthelmy

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • J. R. Cummings

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • N. Gehrels

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • D. Hullinger

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • H. A. Krimm

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • C. B. Markwardt

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • K. McLean

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • D. Palmer

    (Space Science and Applications Group, ISR-1, MS-D466)

  • A. Parsons

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • J. Tueller

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

Abstract

The prompt optical emission that arrives with the γ-rays from a cosmic γ-ray burst (GRB) is a signature of the engine powering the burst, the properties of the ultra-relativistic ejecta of the explosion, and the ejecta's interactions with the surroundings1,2,3,4,5. Until now, only GRB 990123 had been detected6 at optical wavelengths during the burst phase. Its prompt optical emission was variable and uncorrelated with the prompt γ-ray emission, suggesting that the optical emission was generated by a reverse shock arising from the ejecta's collision with surrounding material. Here we report prompt optical emission from GRB 041219a. It is variable and correlated with the prompt γ-rays, indicating a common origin for the optical light and the γ-rays. Within the context of the standard fireball model of GRBs, we attribute this new optical component to internal shocks driven into the burst ejecta by variations of the inner engine. The correlated optical emission is a direct probe of the jet isolated from the medium. The timing of the uncorrelated optical emission is strongly dependent on the nature of the medium.

Suggested Citation

  • W. T. Vestrand & P. R. Wozniak & J. A. Wren & E. E. Fenimore & T. Sakamoto & R. R. White & D. Casperson & H. Davis & S. Evans & M. Galassi & K. E. McGowan & J. A. Schier & J. W. Asa & S. D. Barthelmy , 2005. "A link between prompt optical and prompt γ-ray emission in γ-ray bursts," Nature, Nature, vol. 435(7039), pages 178-180, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:435:y:2005:i:7039:d:10.1038_nature03515
    DOI: 10.1038/nature03515
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