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arXiv · 0809.0508

The properties of the host galaxy and the immediate environment of GRB 980425 / SN 1998bw from the multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution

Abstract

We present an analysis of the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the galaxy ESO 184-G82, the host of the closest known long gamma-ray burst (GRB) 980425 and its associated supernova (SN) 1998bw. We use our observations obtained at the Australia Telescope Compact Array (the third >3 sigma radio detection of a GRB host) as well as archival infrared and ultraviolet (UV) observations to estimate its star formation state. We find that ESO 184-G82 has a UV star formation rate (SFR) and stellar mass consistent with the population of cosmological GRB hosts and of local dwarf galaxies. However, it has a higher specific SFR (per unit stellar mass) than luminous spiral galaxies. The mass of ESO 184-G82 is dominated by an older stellar population in contrast to the majority of GRB hosts. The Wolf-Rayet region ~800 pc from the SN site experienced a starburst episode during which the majority of its stellar population was built up. Unlike that of the entire galaxy, its SED is similar to those of cosmological submillimeter/radio-bright GRB hosts with hot dust content. These findings add to the picture that in general, the environments of GRBs on 1-3 kpc scales are associated with high specific SFR and hot dust.

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Michał J. Michałowski, Jens Hjorth, Daniele Malesani, Tadeusz Michałowski, José María Castro Cerón, Robert F. Reinfrank, Michael A. Garrett, Johan P. U. Fynbo, Darach J. Watson, Uffe G. Jørgensen. 2009-02-22. The properties of the host galaxy and the immediate environment of GRB 980425 / SN 1998bw from the multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution. https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637x%2F693%2F1%2F347

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