Polarization evolution of the GRB 020405 afterglow
Abstract
Polarization measurements for the optical counterpart to GRB 020405 are presented and discussed. Our observations were performed with the VLT-UT3 (Melipal) during the second and third night after the gamma-ray burst discovery. The polarization degree (and the position angle) appears to be constant between our two observations at a level around 1.5/2%. The polarization can be intrinsic but it is not possible to unambiguously exclude that a substantial fraction of it is induced by dust in the host galaxy.
Based on observations made with ESO telescopes at the Paranal Observatory under programme Id 69.D-0461.- Publication:
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Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- March 2003
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0211245
- Bibcode:
- 2003A&A...400L...9C
- Keywords:
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- gamma rays: bursts;
- polarization;
- radiation mechanisms: non-thermal;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 4 pages, 3 color figures, accepted for publication in A&