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Ten per cent polarized optical emission from GRB 090102

Author

Listed:
  • I. A. Steele

    (Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University)

  • C. G. Mundell

    (Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University)

  • R. J. Smith

    (Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University)

  • S. Kobayashi

    (Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University)

  • C. Guidorzi

    (University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

A magnetic push for GRBs The nature of γ-ray bursts, the most energetic explosions known in the Universe, is the subject of much debate. One point of controversy is the extent to which magnetic fields — rather than pressure forces generated by baryonic matter — are involved in accelerating the jets of material emitted at relativistic velocities from the expanding fireball. It is difficult to observe magnetic fields at such a distance, but polarization in the early optical emissions from a γ-ray burst would indicate involvement of magnetic forces. Now observations of early emissions from GRB 090102, detected by the Swift satellite on 2 January 2009, reveal extensive polarization, around 10%, indicative of the presence of large-scale magnetic fields.

Suggested Citation

  • I. A. Steele & C. G. Mundell & R. J. Smith & S. Kobayashi & C. Guidorzi, 2009. "Ten per cent polarized optical emission from GRB 090102," Nature, Nature, vol. 462(7274), pages 767-769, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:462:y:2009:i:7274:d:10.1038_nature08590
    DOI: 10.1038/nature08590
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