Ben-Gurion University of the NegevAstrophysics and Cosmology GroupAstrophysics, Relativity, Cosmology, and Space Physics |
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Speaker: Asaf Pe'er (UCC) December 24, 2014 A paradigm shift in understanding Gamma-ray bursts Abstract: Since the launch of Fermi
in 2008, a prime focus had been given to understanding the physical
origin of the prompt emission from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which holds
the key to understanding of their nature. While the problem is still
far from being solved, in recent years we are witnessing a "paradigm
shift", as the existence of a thermal component (on top of the
non-thermal emission) becomes evident. I will describe some latest
results and the recent theoretical breakthroughs in understanding how
the naively expected "Planck" spectrum can be broadened and resemble
the observed spectra. I will discuss some novel effects and theoretical
ideas relevant for the study of many astronomical objects. As a few
examples, I will show how emission from the photosphere can be observed
to have high degree of polarization; how it can be used to infer the
jet magnetization; and more.
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Last updated
by Uri Keshet,
2013 |