Cosmic Gamma Ray Bursts: Observations and Modelling

Bisnovatyi-Kogan G. S.

The present common view about GRB origin is related to cosmology, what is based on statistical analysis and on measurements of the redshifts in the GRB optical afterglows of long GRB. Models of radiation and models of the central machine for GRB are critically analyzed. Most of these models cannot produce the amount of energy required for the cosmological GRB if they radiate izotropically. No correlation is found between redshifts, GRB spectrum, and total GRB fluence. Comparison of data obtained in the Soviet experiment KONUS and in the USA experiment BATSE about statistics and hard X-ray lines is done, and some differences are noted. Hard gamma-ray (0.1-10 GeV) afterglows, prompt optical spectra, hard X-ray lines measurements could be important for farther insight into GRB origin. Two bright optical afterglows had been detected, indicating that initial bright optical emission is directly connected with the GRB itself, and has a different origin from the subsequent faint optical emission. Results of these observations are presented. Observations indicate that GRB originate in star forming regions of galaxies with a high matter density. Interaction of the mighty gamma ray flux from the cosmological GRB with the dense surrounding molecular cloud leads to long optical afterglow, lasting up to 10 years, due to heating and reradiation of the cloud. Results of 2D numerical simulations of such reradiation for different forms of clouds are represented. Possible connection of short GRB with soft gamma repeaters is discussed.

PDF (2.35 Mb)