Modeling GRB 170202A fireball from continuous observations with the Zadko and the Virgin Island Robotic Telescopes

B. Gendre, N. B. Orange, E. Moore, A. Klotz, D. M. Coward, T. Giblin, P. Gokuldass, D. Morris

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present coordinated observations of GRB 170202A carried out by the Zadko and the Virgin Island Robotic Telescopes. The observations started 59s after the event trigger, and provided nearly continuous coverage for two days due to the unique location of these telescopes. We clearly detected an early rise in optical emission, followed by late optical flares. By complementing these data with archival observations, we show GRB 170202A is well described by the standard fireball model if multiple reverse shocks are taken into account. Its fireball is evidenced to expand within a constant density interstellar medium, with most burst parameters consistent with the usual ranges found in literature. The electron and magnetic energy parameters (\epsilon_e, \epsilon_B) are orders of magnitude smaller than commonly assumed values. We argue that the global fit of the fireball model achieved by our study should be possible for any burst, pending the availability of a sufficiently comprehensive data set. This conclusion emphasizes the crucial importance of coordinated observation campaigns of GRBs, such as the one central to this work, to answer outstanding questions about the underlying physics driving these phenomena.
Original languageEnglish
Article number16
JournalThe Astrophysical Journal
Volume929
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2022

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modeling GRB 170202A fireball from continuous observations with the Zadko and the Virgin Island Robotic Telescopes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this