Magnetic fields in gamma-ray bursts: A short overview

Tsvi Piran*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Magnetic fields play a crucial role in the physics of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). Strong observational evidence indicates that the observed afterglow and most likely the prompt emission arise from synchrotron emission. It is possible that Poynting flux plays an important or even dominant role in the relativistic outflow from the inner engine, but like in other astronomical relativistic jets this suggestion is controversial. Finally, it is likely that magnetic fields larger than 1015 G occur within GRBs' inner engines and contribute to the acceleration and collimation of the relativistic jets. I review here the GRB fireball model and discuss the role that magnetic fields play in its various components. I suggest that the early afterglow, that reflects the initial interaction of the relativistic jet with its surrounding matter is the best available tool to explore the nature of relativistic outflow in astronomical relativistic jets.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMAGNETIC FIELDS IN THE UNIVERSE
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Laboratory and Stars to Primordial Structures
Pages164-174
Number of pages11
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Sep 2005
EventMAGNETIC FIELDS IN THE UNIVERSE: From Laboratory and Stars to Primordial Structures - Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Duration: 28 Nov 20043 Dec 2004

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume784
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceMAGNETIC FIELDS IN THE UNIVERSE: From Laboratory and Stars to Primordial Structures
Country/TerritoryBrazil
CityAngra dos Reis
Period28/11/043/12/04

Keywords

  • Gamma-Ray Bursts
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Shock Waves

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