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REM observations of GRB060418 and GRB060607A: the onset of the afterglow and the initial fireball Lorentz factor determination

Molinari, E. and Vergani, Susanna D. and Malesani, D. and Covino, S. and D'Avanzo, P. and Chincarini, G. and Zerbi, F.M. and Antonelli, L.A. and Conconi, P. and Testa, V. and Tosti, G. and Vitali, F. and D'Alessio, F.D. and Malaspina, G. and Nicastro, L. and Palazzi, E. and Guetta, D. and Campana, S. and Goldoni, P. and Masetti, N. and Meurs, E.J.A. and Monfardini, A. and Norci, Laura and Pian, E. and Piranomonte, S. and Rizzuto, D. and Stefanon, M. and Stella, l. and Tagliaferri, G. and Ward, P.A. and Ihle, G. and Gonzalez, L. and Pizarro, A. and Sinclair, P. and Valenzuela, J. (2007) REM observations of GRB060418 and GRB060607A: the onset of the afterglow and the initial fireball Lorentz factor determination. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 469 (1). ISSN 0004-6361

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Abstract

Context. Gamma-ray burst (GRB) emission is believed to originate in highly relativistic fireballs. Aims. Currently, only lower limits were securely set to the initial fireball Lorentz factor Γο. We aim to provide a direct measure of Γο. Methods. The early-time afterglow light curve carries information about Γο, which determines the time of the afterglow peak. We have obtained early observations of the near-infrared afterglows of GRB 060418 and GRB 060607A with the REM robotic telescope. Results. For both events, the afterglow peak could be clearly singled out, allowing a firm determination of the fireball Lorentz of Γο ~400, fully confirming the highly relativistic nature of GRB fireballs. The deceleration radius was inferred to be R[dec] ≈ 10¹⁷ cm. This is much larger than the internal shocks radius (believed to power the prompt emission), thus providing further evidence for a different origin of the prompt and afterglow stages of the GRB.

Item Type:	Article (Published)
Refereed:	Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:	gamma rays: bursts; relativity
Subjects:	Physical Sciences > Astronomy > Astrophysics
DCU Faculties and Centres:	Research Initiatives and Centres > National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology (NCPST) DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Physical Sciences
Publisher:	EDP Sciences
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20077388
Use License:	This item is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License. View License
ID Code:	108
Deposited On:	28 Jan 2008 by DORAS Administrator. Last Modified 30 Jan 2009 15:48

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