The puzzling temporally variable optical and X-ray afterglow of GRB 101024A
Abstract
Aims: We present the optical observations of the afterglow of the Swift burst GRB 101024A and try to reconcile these observations with the X-ray afterglow data of GRB 101024A using current afterglow models
Methods: We employ early optical observations, using the Zadko Telescope combined with X-ray data, to compare them with the reverse shock/forward shock model.
Results: The early optical light curve reveals a very unusual steep decay index of α ~ 5. This is followed by a flattening and possibly a plateau phase coincident with a similar feature in the X-ray. We discuss these observations in the framework of the standard reverse shock/forward shock model and energy injection. The plateau phase might also be the signature of the formation of a new magnetar.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- June 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361/201116794
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1104.3028
- Bibcode:
- 2011A&A...530A..74G
- Keywords:
-
- gamma-ray burst: general;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- 5 pages, 2 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics