An observational imprint of the Collapsar model of long gamma-ray bursts

Omer Bromberg*, Ehud Nakar, Tsvi Piran, Re'Em Sari

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

102 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Collapsar model provides a theoretical framework for the well-known association between long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and collapsing massive stars. A bipolar relativistic jet, launched at the core of a collapsing star, drills its way through the stellar envelope and breaks out of the surface before producing the observed gamma rays. While a wealth of observations associate GRBs with the death of massive stars, as yet there is no direct evidence for the Collapsar model itself. Here we show that a distinct signature of the Collapsar model is the appearance of a plateau in the duration distribution of the prompt GRB emission at times much shorter than the typical breakout time of the jet. This plateau is evident in the data of all three major satellites. Our findings provide evidence that directly supports the Collapsar model. In addition, the model suggests the existence of a large population of choked (failed) GRBs, and implies that the 2 s duration commonly used to separate Collapsars and non-Collapsars is inconsistent with the duration distributions of Swift and Fermi GRBs and only holds for BATSE GRBs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number110
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume749
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Apr 2012

Keywords

  • gamma rays: stars
  • gamma-ray burst: general
  • stars: Wolf-Rayet

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An observational imprint of the Collapsar model of long gamma-ray bursts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this