Dark gamma-ray bursts in the swift era

A. J. Van Der Horst, C. Kouveliotou, N. Gehrels, E. Rol, R. A.M.J. Wijers, J. K. Cannizzo, J. Racusin, D. N. Burrows

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We propose a new method for the classification of optically dark gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), based on the X-ray and optical-to-X-ray spectral indices of GRB afterglows, and utilizing the spectral capabilities of Swift. This method depends less on model assumptions than previous methods, and can be used as a quick diagnostic tool to identify optically sub-luminous bursts. With this method we can also find GRBs that are extremely bright at optical wavelengths. We show that the previously suggested correlation between the optical darkness and the X-ray/gamma-ray brightness is merely an observational selection effect.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGamma-Ray Burst - 6th Huntsville Symposium
Pages193-198
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Event6th Huntsville Symposium on Gamma-Ray Bursts - Huntsville, AL, United States
Duration: Oct 20 2008Oct 23 2008

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1133
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other6th Huntsville Symposium on Gamma-Ray Bursts
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHuntsville, AL
Period10/20/0810/23/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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