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arXiv · astro-ph/9211010

Gamma-Ray Bursts and Neutron Star Mergers - Possibly the Strongest Explosions in the Universe

Tsvi Piran
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Abstract

$γ$-ray bursts have baffled theorists ever since their accidental discovery at the sixties. We suggest that these bursts originate in merger of neutron star binaries, taking place at cosmological distances. These mergers release $\approx 10^{54}ergs$, in what are possibly the strongest explosions in the Universe. If even a small fraction of this energy is channeled to an electromagnetic signal it will be detected as a grbs. We examine the virtues and limitations of this model and compare it with the recent Compton \g-ray observatory results.

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Tsvi Piran. 1992-11-17. Gamma-Ray Bursts and Neutron Star Mergers - Possibly the Strongest Explosions in the Universe. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.43418

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