The Swift GRB MIDEX mission

Swift is a first-of-its-kind multiwavelength transient observatory for γ-ray burst astronomy. It has the optimum capabilities for the next breakthroughs in determining the origin of γ-ray bursts and their afterglows, as well as for using bursts to probe the early Universe. Swift will also monitor the soft gamma repeaters and perform the first sensitive hard X-ray survey of the sky. The mission is being developed by an international collaboration and consists of three instruments, the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT), the X-ray Telescope (XRT), and the Ultraviolet and Optical Telescope (UVOT). The BAT, a wide-field γ-ray detector, will detect >100 γ-ray bursts per year with a sensitivity 5× that of BATSE. The sensitive narrow-field XRT and UVOT will be autonomously slewed to the burst location within 20–70 s to determine 0.3–5.0″ positions and perform optical, UV, and X-ray spectrophotometry. Strong education/public outreach and follow-up programs will help to engage the public and the astronomical community. Swift launch is planned for late 2004.     

REM/ROSS: a powerful tool for monitoring the prompt afterglow of γ-ray bursts

Observations of the prompt afterglow of γ-ray burst events are unanimously considered of paramount importance for GRB science and cosmology. Such observations at NIR wavelengths are even more promising allowing the monitoring of high-z Ly- absorbed bursts as well as events occurring in dusty star-forming regions. In these pages we present rapid eye mount (REM), a fully robotized fast slewing telescope equipped with a high throughput NIR (Z, J, H, K) camera dedicated to detecting the prompt IR afterglow. REM can discover objects at extremely high redshift and trigger large telescopes to observe them. The REM telescope will simultaneously feed REM optical slitless spectrograph (ROSS) via a dichroic. ROSS will intensively monitor the prompt optical continuum of GRB afterglows. The synergy between the REM-IR camera and the ROSS spectrograph makes REM a powerful observing tool for any kind of fast transient phenomena. Beside its ambitious scientific goals, REM is also technically challenging since it represent the first attempt to locate a NIR camera on a small telescope providing, with ROSS, unprecedented simultaneous wavelength coverage on a telescope of this size.     

Time-dependent thermal X-ray afterglows from GRBS

Time-dependent thermal X-ray spectra are calculated from physically plausible conditions around GRB. It is shown that account for time-dependent ionization processes strongly affects the observed spectra of hot rarefied plasma. These calculations may provide an alternative explanation to the observed X-ray lines of early GRBs afterglows (such as GRB 011211). Our technique will allow one to obtain independent constraints on the GRB collimation angle and on the clumpiness of circumstellar matter.     

Preliminary observing achievements of supersoft X-ray detector and γ-ray detector onboard Shenzhou2

Preliminary observing achievements by the Super Soft X-ray Detector and the γ-ray Detector in the fields of cosmic gamma-ray bursts, solar X-ray, bursts and cosmic X-ray/γ-ray background radiation are summarized. The detectors are aboard the spacecraft Shenzhou-2 that was launched on 2001 January 10. The scientific mission and general situation of the instruments are briefly described.     

1E 1740.7-2942 revisited: Confirmation of its identification with the core of a double sided radio jet structure

After more than two years of successful in-orbit operations, the γ-ray coded aperture SIGMA telescope has accumulated 800 hours of live-time observations of the Galactic Center region, including the remarkable hard source identified with the X-ray source 1E 1740.7–2942. The long-term behavior of the soft γ-ray emission of 1E 1740.7–2942, as determined from the SIGMA survey, supplemented with previously available soft γ-ray data, leads to its identification with a singular radio source, which consists of a double sided radio jet emanating from a compact variable core whose variability is correlated with that of the soft γ-ray source. The compact radio core, which lies well inside the improved soft γ-ray (40–150 keV) error circle (27″ radius) derived from the high-resolution SIGMA survey, is also inside the ROSAT and TTM error circle derived respectively in the soft and hard X-ray bands.     

太阳风中磁重联的可能性及其观测证据

本文利用美国行星际监测卫星IMP-H和IMP-J同时在弓激波上游的极佳时机(1976年1月21日—22日)探测的结果, 比较了两个卫星同时测得的离子脉冲(E≥125keV/Q, Q≥1)的计数率和各向异性.分析表明在IMP-H比IMP-J离地球远的四个事件a—d中, a和b事件时, IMP-H上测得的计数率大于IMP-J上计数率, 各向异性从太阳指向地球;c事件时, IMP-J上计数率大于IMP-H上的测量值, 各向异性从太阳指向地球;d事件时, IMP-J上计数率大于IMP-H上的相应值, 各向异性改变方向, 从地球指向太阳.它们可以用太阳风中扇形边界样的磁场反转形态磁重联产生的高能粒子的假说来满意地得到解释.      

High energy emission from AGN

The recent detection of radio loud quasars with a large high energy γ-ray luminosity is discussed, in the framework of non-thermal synchrotron self Compton models. These observations are strong evidence of relativistic beaming of the radiation, due to the absence of strong photon-photon opacity. If γ-rays are self Compton emission, these sources can be the first observed example of a Compton catastrophe, resulting from the dominance of the radiation over the magnetic energy density. Inhomogeneous and relativistic jet models can in this case explain the observed spectrum from the far infrared to the γ-rays. If, on the other hand, the magnetic energy density is dominant, then the γ-rays must be due to direct synchrotron emission, implying very large particle energies. Pure synchrotron models which take into account electron-positron pair production are then discussed. Multifrequency simultaneous observations are a powerful test of the models.     

Can a double component outflow explain the X-ray and optical lightcurves of Swift Gamma-Ray Bursts?

An increasing sample of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) observed by Swift show evidence of ‘chromatic breaks’, i.e. breaks that are present in the X-ray but not in the optical. We find that in a significant fraction of these GRB afterglows the X-ray and the optical emission cannot be produced by the same component. We propose that these afterglow lightcurves are the result of a two-component jet, in which both components undergo energy injection for the whole observation and the X-ray break is due to a jet break in the narrow outflow. Bursts with chromatic breaks also explain another surprising finding, the paucity of late achromatic breaks. We propose a model that may explain the behaviour of GRB emission in both X-ray and optical bands. This model can be a radical and noteworthy alternative to the current interpretation for the ‘canonical’ XRT and UVOT lightcurves, and it bears fundamental implications for GRB physics.     

Probing the nature of short swift bursts via deep INTEGRAL monitoring of GRB 050925

We present results from Swift, XMM-Newton, and deep INTEGRAL monitoring in the region of GRB 050925. This short Swift burst is a candidate for a newly discovered soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) with the following observational burst properties: (1) galactic plane (b = −0.1°) localization, (2) 150 ms duration, and (3) a blackbody rather than a simple power-law spectral shape (with a significance level of 97%). We found two possible X-ray counterparts of GRB 050925 by comparing the X-ray images from Swift XRT and XMM-Newton. Both X-ray sources show the transient behavior with a power-law decay index shallower than −1. We found no hard X-ray emission nor any additional burst from the location of GRB 050925 in ∼5 ms of INTEGRAL data. We discuss about the three BATSE short bursts which might be associated with GRB 050925, based on their location and the duration. Assuming GRB 050925 is associated with the H_II regions (W 58) at the galactic longitude of l = 70°, we also discuss the source frame properties of GRB 050925.     

GRB 980425, SN1998BW and the EMBH model

The EMBH model, previously developed using GRB 991216 as a prototype, is here applied to GRB 980425. We fit the luminosity observed in the 40–700 keV, 2–26 keV and 2–10 keV bands by the BeppoSAX satellite. In addition we present a novel scenario in which the supernova SN1998bw is the outcome of an “induced gravitational collapse” triggered by GRB 980425, in agreement with the GRB-Supernova Time Sequence (GSTS) paradigm [Ruffini, R., Bianco, C.L., Chardonnet, P., Fraschetti, F., Xue, S.-S. On a possible GRB-supernova time sequence. Astrophys. J. 555, L117–L120, 2001c]. A further outcome of this astrophysically exceptional sequence of events is the formation of a young neutron star generated by the SN1998bw event. A coordinated observational activity is recommended to further enlighten the underlying scenario of this most unique astrophysical system.     

Noise in wireless systems from solar radio bursts

Solar radio bursts were first discovered as result of their interference in early defensive radar systems during the Second World War (1942). Such bursts can still affect radar systems, as well as new wireless technologies. We have investigated a forty-year record of solar radio burst data (1960–1999) as well as several individual radio events in the 23rd solar cycle. This paper reviews the results of a portion of this research. Statistically, for frequencies f  1 GHz (near current wireless bands), there can be a burst with amplitudes >10³ solar flux units (SFU; 1 SFU = 10⁻²² W/m²) every few days during solar maximum conditions, and such burst levels can produce problems in contemporary wireless systems.     

The γ-ray bursts as a result of the proper activity of the neutron star

The model of the Γ-ray burst is developed which is based on the nuclear explosion in the neutron star envelope because of the chain fission reaction of the superheavy nuclei. It is shown, that the main part of the Γ-ray burst radiation must have thermal origin, but the nonthermal component and Γ-ray lines may be present. The parameters of the strong burst of 5 March 1979 are evaluated on the basis of its radiation spectra and the present model. The distance to this burst is about 100 pc and the total energy of this Γ-ray burst is about 2.1039 ergs.     

XMM-Newton observations of low luminosity Be/X-ray candidates

A small number of early Be stars exhibit X-ray luminosities intermediate between those typical of early type stars and those radiated by Be/X-ray binaries in the quiescent state. We report on XMM-Newton observations of two such Be stars, HD 161103 and SAO 49725 which were originally discovered in a systematic cross-correlation between the ROSAT all-sky survey and SIMBAD. The new observations confirm the X-ray luminosity detected by ROSAT (L_X  10³² erg s⁻¹) and the hardness of their X-ray spectra (thin thermal with kT  8–10 keV or power law with photon index of 1.7) which are both unusual for normal early type stars. We discuss the possible origin of this excess X-ray emission in the light of the models proposed for γ-Cas, magnetic disc-star interaction or accretion onto a compact companion object, neutron star or white dwarf, and compare the properties of these two sources with those of the new massive systems discovered in the XMM- Newton/SSC survey of the Galactic plane.     

Kuafu and the studies of CME initiation

We first briefly review the current trend in the studies of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), then summarize some recent efforts in understanding the CME initiation. Emphasis has been put on the studies of Earth-directed CMEs whose associated surface activity and large scale magnetic source have been well identified. The data analysis by combining the MDI full disc magnetograms, vector magnetograms of active regions, EUV waves and dimmings, non-thermal radio sources, and the SOHO LASCO observations has shed new light in understanding the CME magnetism. However, the current studies seem to invoke new observations in a few aspects: (1) The observations which enable us to trace CMEs from the earliest associated surface activity to its initial acceleration and key development in the low corona in the height of 1–3 R; (2) The imaging spectroscopic observations which can be used to diagnose the early plasma outflow and the line-of-sight velocity in understanding the kinematics of CMEs; (3) The accurate timing from primary magnetic energy release, manifested by chromospheric activity, non-thermal radio bursts, and EUV, X-ray and γ-ray emissions, to the CME initiation, early acceleration and propagation, and the consequences in the interplanetary space and magnetosphere. The Kuafu Mission will meet the basic requirement for the new observations in CME initiation studies and serve as a monitor of space weather of the Sun–Earth system.     

Collaborative VLA,SOHO and RHESSI observations of evolving sources of energy release in the corona above active regions

Very Large Array (VLA) observations at 20 and 91 cm wavelength are compared with data from the SOHO (EIT and MDI) and RHESSI solar missions to investigate the evolution of decimetric Type I noise storms and Type III bursts and related magnetic activity in the photosphere and corona. The combined data sets provide clues about the mechanisms that initiate and sustain the decimetric bursts and about interactions between thermal and nonthermal plasmas at different locations in the solar atmosphere. On one day, frequent, low-level hard X-ray flaring observed by RHESSI appears to have had no clear affect on the evolution of two closely-spaced Type I noise storm sources lying above the target active region. EIT images however, indicate nearly continuous restructuring of the underlying EUV loops which, through accompanying low-level magnetic reconnection, might give rise to nonthermal particles and plasma turbulence that sustain the long-lasting Type I burst emission. On another day, the onset of an impulsive hard X-ray burst and subsequent decimetric burst emission followed the gradual displacement and coalescence of a small patch of magnetic magnetic polarity with a pre-existing area of mixed magnetic polarity. The time delay of the impulsive 20 and 91 cm bursts by up to 20 min suggests that these events were unlikely to represent the main sites of flare electron acceleration, but instead are related to the rearrangement of the coronal magnetic field after the main flare at lower altitude. Although the X-ray flare is associated with the decimetric burst, the brightness and structure of a long-lasting Type I noise storm from the same region was not affected by the flare. This suggests that the reconfiguration of the coronal magnetic fields and the subsequent energy release that gave rise to the impulsive burst emission did not significantly perturb that part of the corona where the noise storm emission was located.     

Two years of INTEGRAL result on X-ray binaries

INTEGRAL is the ESA lead International Gamma-Ray Astrophysical Laboratory, successfully launched the 17th October 2002 from Baikonur with a Proton vehicle. In view of the high sensitivity of the two γ-ray instruments IBIS and SPI and their capability to provide at the same time image, spectra and time profiles of all the sources in their wide field of view, a key project was approved as “Core Programme” to obtain deep observations of the Galactic Centre (GCDE) and to exploit regular scan of the whole Galaxy Plane since the beginning of the mission. This paper will briefly review the main astrophysical results obtained in the field of high energy Galactic sources with the INTEGRAL/IBIS γ-ray Imager onboard INTEGRAL, and make a comparison with the previous scenario depicted by the BeppoSAX and RXTE results.     

High resolution studies of intermediatedrift bursts

We report high resolution observations of the Intermediate Drift (IMD) bursts in decimetric band (ν = 950 – 2650 MHz). With a time resolution of 20 – 50 ms and a frequency resolution of 4 – 10 MHz, we are able to estimate the characteristics of IMD bursts such as the bandwidth and duration of the emission. Frequency drift rate and its dependence on the frequency are derived for individual IMD structures. All IMD bursts analyzed show negative drift rate. The values are of the order of −28 – −274 MHz s⁻¹. The drift rates normalized by the mean frequency are ranged between −0.20 s⁻¹ and −0.02 s⁻¹. Both the frequency drift rate and its frequency dependence provide important clues to the emission mechanisms of IMD. A comparison and a critique of the existing models based on the plasma and the maser emissions with modulation by Alfvén solitons as well as the whistler wave model are presented.     

Limit cycles of accretion disks in the Rapid Burster and GRS 1915+105

The Rapid Burster is known to show rapidly repetitive bursts (Type II bursts). An interesting feature of the Type II burst is an approximate proportionality of the burst duration to the time to the next burst. The time sequence from a burst to the following quiescent phase can be said to be a time-scale invariant high (burst phase)–low (quiescent phase) transition. The Galactic superluminal source, GRS 1915+105 exhibits a variety of the time variation of the X-ray flux and often repeats transitions between a high-flux level and a low-flux level. In such high–low transitions, Belloni et al. (1997b) found an approximate proportionality between the duration of the low-flux phase and that of the following high-flux phase, over a wide range of the time scale. This low–high transition can again be said to be time-scale invariant. However, an interesting difference between the two time scale invariant transitions is an opposite order of the high and low-flux phase in the time-scale invariant sequence. In the case of the Rapid Burster, the high-flux (burst) phase is the first, while the low-flux phase is the first in the case of GRS1915+105. A limit cycle between an accretion disk in a state of the standard-disk and that in a state of the ADAF (advection dominated accretion flow) is discussed to explain the time-scale invariant high–low (or low–high) transition as well as the difference between the neutron star system and the black-hole system, qualitatively. A phenomenological relation of the accretion disk change with mass ejections from the central part of the disk is also discussed.     

Simulation of cometary jets in interaction with the solar wind

The influence of cometary jets on the solar wind interaction is studied with a 3D hybrid simulation. Anisotropic outgassing patterns were until recently not considered in cometary simulations, despite strong anisotropies found at observations. Comet 67P Churyumov–Gerasimenko, the target of the ROSETTA mission, was chosen as a case study for a simulation series. The cometary outgassing at 2.7 AU is modeled to originate from a single sun-facing jet with different levels of collimation, from isotropy to extremely thin jets. As no bow shock is present at this distance, solar wind patterns resulting from the anisotropic outgassing become more apparent. We find narrower jets to increase the standoff distance of the plasma interaction structures. Also, the Mach cone is wider and stronger for certain jet profiles. The magnetic field remains unable to propagate through the coma, resulting in strong draping patterns for narrow jets due to the increased standoff distance.