Study of the Ultra-Long GRB 220627A: Exploring a Possible Blue Supergiant Collapsar Origin

Abstract

Ultra-long gamma-ray bursts (ul-GRBs) challenge standard collapsar models because their extreme durations require central engines active for $\sim10^{3}-10^{4}$ s. While the prompt spectral evolution of typical GRBs is difficult to resolve due to their short durations, ul-GRBs provide a unique opportunity to study spectral evolution on extended timescales. We present a time-resolved spectroscopic study of GRB 220627A, one of the most luminous ul-GRBs known ($E_{\rm iso}\sim10^{54}$ erg, $T_{90}>1000$ s), consisting of two bright emission episodes separated by $\sim600$ s quiescent interval. Using a novel HOP algorithm-based segmentation method, we identify optimal time intervals for time-resolved spectroscopy. A Comptonized power-law (CPL) model well describes the prompt emission ($\sim 10$ keV-40 MeV) across all timescales. Fermi-GBM spectroscopy reveals a transition from a hard, slow-cooling synchrotron spectrum ($α_{\rm I}=-0.70$) during episode-I to a softer, fast-cooling synchrotron spectrum ($α_{\rm II}=-1.29$) during episode-II. This evolution closely resembles that of the magnetar-candidate GRB 091024A, highlighting a potential progenitor degeneracy based solely on spectral evolution. However, the extreme isotropic-equivalent energy exceeds the maximum energy available from magnetar spin-down, strongly favouring a blue supergiant (BSG) collapsar origin. The prolonged activity and multi-episode structure are naturally explained by sustained accretion through an extended stellar envelope. Our results demonstrate that ul-GRBs can display magnetar-like spectral evolution while being powered by BSG collapsars. GRB 220627A highlights the need for combining time-resolved spectroscopy with energetic constraints to distinguish between progenitor scenarios and understand the physical origin of ul-GRBs.