The Galaxy as the origin of gamma-ray bursts
Abstract
The gamma-ray burst spectrum N(greater than S) versus S is reviewed and found to be inconsistent with a completely isotropic distribution. Extragalactic distributions are considered but rejected in favor of a galactic origin. Spherical halo models, particularly those with central concentration, are found to be unacceptable. Noncentrally concentrated disk models are acceptable, especially those with larger scale height (beta) distributions. Spiral structure effects prevent the total rejection of small beta distributions but impose space density requirements which exclude many extreme Population I candidates. Integrated burst luminosities range from about 10 to the 38th to 2 x 10 to the 39th ergs while burst rate densities vary between about 10 to the -6th and 10 to the -8th/cu pc yr; both are uniquely determined by the distribution scale height. It is shown that galactic burst sources must be repetitive with repetition rates between about 10 to the -5th/yr and about 10 to the 6th/yr depending on the source space density and the importance of beaming. Bursts are unimportant in the galactic energy balance and, on average, in the energy history of their sources. They may, however, dominate specific events.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- May 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1086/157964
- Bibcode:
- 1980ApJ...238..110J
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Bursts;
- Galactic Radiation;
- Gamma Ray Astronomy;
- Gamma Ray Spectra;
- Milky Way Galaxy;
- Frequency Distribution;
- Halos;
- Mass Distribution;
- Spatial Distribution;
- Astrophysics