GRB 221009A: An Ordinary Nearby GRB with Extraordinary Observational Properties

Abstract

The gamma-ray burst GRB 221009A, known as the “brightest of all time,” is the closest energetic burst detected so far, with an energy of E γ,iso ∼ 1055 erg. This study aims to assess its compatibility with known GRB energy and luminosity distributions. Our analysis indicates that the energy/luminosity function of GRBs is consistent across various redshift intervals, and that the inclusion of GRB 221009A does not significantly impact the function at low redshifts. Additionally, our evaluation of the best-fitting result of the entire GRB sample suggests that the expected number of GRBs with energy greater than 1055 erg at a low redshift is 0.2, so that the emergence of GRB 221009A is consistent with expected energy/luminosity functions within ∼2σ Poisson fluctuation error, still adhering to the principles of small number statistics. Furthermore, we find that GRB 221009A and other energetic bursts, defined as E γ,iso ≳ 1054 erg, exhibit no significant differences in terms of distributions of T 90, minimum timescale, Amati relation, E γ,iso–E X,iso relation, L γ,iso–Γ0 relation, E γ,iso–Γ0 relation, L γ,iso–E p,i–Γ0 relation, and host galaxy properties, compared to normal long GRBs. This suggests that energetic GRBs (including GRB 221009A) and other long GRBs likely have similar progenitor systems and undergo similar energy dissipation and radiation processes. The generation of energetic GRBs may be due to more extreme central engine properties or, more likely, a rarer viewing configuration of a quasi-universal structured jet.