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What are Gamma Ray Burst and what are their progenitors? Observations, models and theory in the Swift post launch era.

Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca

Abstract

The present program is aimed at carrying out data analysis and interpretation of Gamma Ray Burst, GRB, and at developing theoretical models. The momentous opportunity of the proposed research is unique. Swift, a satellite dedicated to very fast response studies of GRB from Gamma-ray to optical wavevelengths, is now fully operational. In addition HETE2 and INTEGRAL are performing well in the detection of GRBs, while the largest telescopes for X-ray astronomical observations, XMM/Newton and Chandra have by now been optimised to carry out follow-up observation of GRB afterglows. At the same time a vast program of detailed follow-up observations of GRB afterglows at optical-NIR wavelengths has been set-up which exploits small robotic telescopes, e.g. REM, as well as the largest ground based telescopes such as ESO/VLT.

The proposing team includes scientists spanning the whole range of expertise that is required to compete at the highest international level, during this crucial phase of GRB research. The team comprises scientists that are deeply involved in the Swift mission, scientists who have played a crucial role in the BeppoSAX mission and observers who have carried out extensive multiwavelength campaigns for GRB afterglow follow-up studies. Theoreticians involved in the present program have given substiantial contribution to different aspects of the modelling of GRB explosion, as well as the exploitation of GRBs for a variety of other studies. As GRB science >>>

Principal Investigator

Guido CHINCARINI Università degli Studi di MILANO-BICOCCA

Research Objectives

The momentous opportunity and potential of the proposed research is unique. Swift, a satellite dedicated to very fast response studies of GRB from Gamma-ray to optical wavevelengths, has entered its fully operational phase and will provide about 100 GRB triggers per year, with an unprecedented combination speed, accuracy and wavelength coverage. HETE2 and INTEGRAL keep on discovering additional GRBs, with somewhat different characteristics. The largest facilities for X-ray astronomy, XMM/Newton and Chandra have by now been optimised to carry out follow-up observation of GRB afterglows. At the same time a vast program of detailed follow-up observations of GRB afterglows at optical-NIR wavelengths has been set-up which exploits small robotic telescopes, e.g. REM, as well as the largest ground-based telescopes such as ESO/VLT.

This program is aimed at the systematic exploitation of these programs both from the point of view of the data analysis and interpretation as well as the development of advanced models. The most-readily accessible aims are:

1) the determination of the redshift distribution of GRBs;
2) the determination of the properties of galaxies harboring GRBs;
3) the determination of the regions of galaxies where GRBs are located.

All of these will give information as to whether GRBs are connected (as it is currently suspected) with the death of very massive stars. Current data seem to suggest so in at >>>

Timescale

24 months

National and international background

2.2.1 Introduction

This proposal is aimed at studying the GRB phenomenon in a global fashion, by addressing not only some of the most relevant issues directly related to GRBs, but also exploting GRBs for a variety of themes straddling other fields, cosmological studies in particular. The program builds on the proponents' experience over the last decade in different aspect of GRB research. This ranges from the development and calibration of instrumentation dedicated to GRBs (such as e.g. the XRT on board Swift and the robotic telescope REM), to the participation in crucial GRB discoveries with BeppoSAX, the setting up and running of vast programs of follow up multiwevelength observations of GRBs from world-class facilities and the development of advanced theoretical models. The proposing groups have a long tradition of collaboration, both amongst themselves and with highly qualified international groups involved in GRB science. Joint instrumental projects and observing programs, together with detailed physical modelling, sometimes based on state of the art numerical computations, have provided further grounds to strengthen the collaboration of the proposing groups. A number of PhD and Laurea theses have been carried out within the various research units, while the collaboration with scientists of other groups has broadened the scientific interests of young researchers. The present program will greatly benefit from the collaborations established among the >>>