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arXiv · 1904.10008

Understanding the Engines and Progenitors of Gamma-Ray Bursts

Chris L. Fryer·Nicole Lloyd-Ronning·Ryan Wollaeger·Brandon Wiggins·Jonah Miller·Josh Dolence·Ben Ryan·Carl E. Fields
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Abstract

Our understanding of the engines and progenitors of gamma-ray bursts has expanded through the ages as a broader set of diagnostics has allowed us to test our understanding of these objects. Here we review the history of the growth in our understanding, focusing on 3 leading engines and 9 potential progenitors. The first gravitational wave detection of a short burst is the latest in a series of breakthrough observations shaping this understanding and we study the importance of multi-diagnostic, multi-messenger observations on these engines and their progenitors. Our understanding based on a detailed study of nearby bursts can be applied to make predictions for the trends expected as we begin to observe high redshift bursts and we discuss these trends.

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Chris L. Fryer, Nicole Lloyd-Ronning, Ryan Wollaeger, Brandon Wiggins, Jonah Miller, Josh Dolence, Ben Ryan, Carl E. Fields. 2019-04-22. Understanding the Engines and Progenitors of Gamma-Ray Bursts. https://doi.org/10.1140/epja%2Fi2019-12818-y

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