Constraints on γ-ray bursters from soft X-ray transients
Abstract
Perhaps the most enigmatic and elusive of the short time scale astrophysical phenomena observed so far are the γ-ray bursts discovered in the Vela satellite data in 19731. After a decade of observational and theoretical work, there is still no agreement on a model for the radiation detected or for the type of astronomical system responsible. We have conducted a search of the Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory's Einstein imaging proportional counter (IPC) database for possible X-ray counterparts to these transient events. The limiting sensitivity was ~10-10 erg cm-2 with a total exposure of ~3×106s divided amongst ~103 1°×1° fields. Four events with a pointlike spatial distribution were detected but their extremely soft spectra (kT <= 0.1 keV) makes them unlikely candidates for γ-ray burst counterparts. We use our results here to place limits on the X-ray and γ-ray luminosity ratio and log (number) N-log (flux) S relation for γ-ray bursts, and comment on the constraints placed on models for their origin.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- July 1983
- DOI:
- 10.1038/304041a0
- Bibcode:
- 1983Natur.304...41H
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Bursts;
- Heao 2;
- Proportional Counters;
- X Ray Sources;
- Astronomical Models;
- Data Bases;
- Light Curve;
- Luminosity;
- Spaceborne Astronomy;
- Spatial Distribution;
- Space Radiation