SMB-GRB-2005 · Multi-wavelength observations of gamma-ray bursts and instrument developement
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2006-04-01 → 2008-03-31
- EU contribution
- €148,588
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- EIF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - SMB-GRB-2005 (Multi-wavelength observations of gamma-ray bursts and instrument developement)
Gamma-ray bursts (GRB) are brief flashes of radiation coming from distant galaxies that are detected by satellites orbiting the earth. These flashes of gamma-rays can last as long as hundreds of seconds or be as short as a few milliseconds. There are two classes which are thought to be the caused by the collapse of massive stars or by the merger of compact objects. In both cases, the result of the GRB is thought to be the birth of a black hole. Research in the field of GRBs requires many tools. Observations are performed of the prompt emission, the fading of the explosion or the afterglow, the host galaxies where the burst occurred. These observations span a range of time since the initial flash and a range of wavelengths from the high energy gamma- and X-rays to the lower energy optical and near infrared region of the spectrum. As part of the work completed during this Fellowship the properties of the prompt emission were investigated using the sensitive instruments on board Integral and Swift. The results from Integral indicate that the gamma-ray emission is polarised and one of the results from Swift indicates that a controversial burst is a member of the long duration class. Additionally multi-wavelength studies of the fading afterglow of short and long GRBs were investigated to determine the energetics and dust extinction in the afterglow environment. In addition, a new gamma-ray mission proposal GRIPS was submitted as part of a collaboration and preparations for a current gamma-ray mission GLAST were underway. All research and training aspects of the submitted proposal were addressed in the two year framework of this Marie Curie fellowship and I am very grateful to the European Union for this opportunity.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are extraordinary sources. A typical GRB occurs in a star-forming galaxy at a redshift ~1. There is proof that at least some GRBs are caused by the collapse of a massive star when the supply of nuclear fuel has been exhausted. The merger of compact objects may also produce GRBs. In either case the progenitor produces a black hole and an accretion disk. In this configuration the energy can be extracted and accelerates a fireball of matter to ultra-relativistic velocities. Photons are produce via synchrotron radiation or inverse Compton emission. In our frame the radiation is primarily in gamma-rays and lasts for about 30 seconds and has an isotropic energy of ~10^53 ergs. There is evidence that the radiation is strongly beamed into a n opening angle of a few degrees, which reduces the total energy. The expanding shells interact with the medium to produce external shocks, which give rise to long-lived afterglow in the X-ray, optical, infrared and radio bands, which may be detected for d ays to months after the GRB. The aim of this proposal is to provide training for the applicant by carrying out leading edge research in the exciting, cutting edge field of GRBs in the Gamma-ray Group at MPE. There are three main training and research aims. The first aspect is to work on GRB spectra, polarization on active missions particularly INTEGRAL. MPE has extensive involvement on the SPI instrument on INTEGRAL. The group also has extensive experience in gamma-ray astronomy and instrumentation. The sec ond aspect is to be involved in the GLAST Burst Monitor. The host institutes is a major contributor to this instrument and are leading experts. The GBM will be launched on the GLAST mission. The final aspect involves the GROND camera, a seven-colour camera due to operate at ESO. Training in multi-wavelength observations and analysis is invaluable to any astrophysicist.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V. · MUENCHENCoordinatorGermany
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union