Dark GRBs Research Articles

Optical darkness in short-duration γ-ray bursts

ABSTRACT Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) categorically produce broad-band afterglow emission, but in some cases, emission in the optical band is dimmer than expected based on the contemporaneously observed X-ray flux. This phenomenon, aptly dubbed ‘optical darkness’, has been studied extensively in long GRBs (associated with the explosive deaths of massive stars), with possible explanations ranging from host environment extinction to high redshift to possibly unique emission mechanisms. However, investigations into optical darkness in short GRBs (associated with the mergers of compact object binaries) have thus far been limited. This work implements a procedure for determining the darkness of GRBs based on spectral indices calculated using temporally matched Swift–X-ray Telescope data and optical follow-up observations; presents a complete and up-to-date catalogue of known short GRBs that exhibit optical darkness; and outlines some of the possible explanations for optically dark short GRBs. In the process of this analysis, we developed versatile and scalable data processing code that facilitates reproducibility and reuse of our pipeline. These analysis tools and resulting complete sample of dark short GRBs enable a systematic statistical study of the phenomenon and its origins, and reveal that optical darkness is indeed quite rare in short GRBs, and highly dependent on observing response time and observational effects.

A Radio-selected Population of Dark, Long Gamma-Ray Bursts: Comparison to the Long Gamma-Ray Burst Population and Implications for Host Dust Distributions

We present centimeter-band and millimeter-band afterglow observations of five long-duration γ-ray bursts (GRBs; GRB 130131A, 130420B, 130609A, 131229A, 140713A) with dust-obscured optical afterglow emission, known as “dark” GRBs. We detect the radio afterglow of two of the dark GRBs (GRB 130131A and 140713A), along with a tentative detection of a third (GRB 131229A) with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). Supplemented by three additional VLA-detected dark GRBs from the literature, we present uniform modeling of their broadband afterglows. We derive high line-of-sight dust extinctions of A V,GRB ≈ 2.2– ≳ 10.6 mag. Additionally, we model the host galaxies of the six bursts in our sample, and derive host galaxy dust extinctions of A V,Host ≈ 0.3–4.7 mag. Across all tested γ-ray (fluence and duration) and afterglow properties (energy scales, geometries, and circumburst densities), we find dark GRBs to be representative of more typical unobscured long GRBs, except in fluence, for which observational biases and inconsistent classification may influence the dark GRB distribution. Additionally, we find that A V,GRB is not related to a uniform distribution of dust throughout the host, nor to the extremely local environment of the burst, indicating that a larger-scale patchy dust distribution is the cause of the high line-of-sight extinction. Since radio observations are invaluable to revealing heavily dust-obscured GRBs, we make predictions for the detection of radio emission from host star formation with the next-generation VLA.

Revealing nature of GRB 210205A, ZTF21aaeyldq (AT2021any) and follow-up observations with the 4K$$\times$$4K CCD imager + 3.6m DOT

Optical follow-up observations of optical afterglows of gamma-ray bursts are crucial to probe the geometry of outflows, emission mechanisms, energetics and burst environments. We performed the follow-up observations of GRB 210205A and ZTF21aaeyldq (AT2021any) using the 3.6m Devasthal optical telescope (DOT) around one day after the burst to deeper limits due to the longitudinal advantage of the place. This paper presents our analysis of the two objects using data from other collaborative facilities, i.e., 2.2m Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory (CAHA) and other archival data. Our analysis suggests that GRB 210205A is a potential dark burst once compared with the X-ray afterglow data. Also, comparing results with other known and well-studied dark GRBs samples indicate that the reason for the optical darkness of GRB 210205A could either be intrinsic faintness or a high redshift event. Based on our analysis, we also found that ZTF21aaeyldq is the third known orphan afterglow with a measured redshift except for ZTF20aajnksq (AT2020blt) and ZTF19abvizsw (AT2019pim). The multiwavelength afterglow modeling of ZTF21aaeyldq using the afterglowpy package demands a forward shock model for an ISM-like ambient medium with a rather wider jet opening angle. We determine circumburst density of $$n_{0} = 0.87$$ cm $$^{-3}$$ , kinetic energy $$E_{k} = 3.80 \times 10^{52}$$ erg and the afterglow modeling also indicates that ZTF21aaeyldq is observed on-axis ( $$\theta _{\mathrm{obs}} < \theta _{\mathrm{core}}$$ ) and a gamma-ray counterpart was missed by GRBs satellites. Our results emphasize that the 3.6m DOT has a unique capability for deep follow-up observations of similar and other new transients for deeper observations as a part of time-domain astronomy in the future.

The dark nature of GRB 130528A and its host galaxy

We study the dark nature of GRB 130528A through multi-wavelength observations and conclude that the main reason for the optical darkness is local extinction inside of the host galaxy. Automatic observations were performed at BOOTES-4/MET robotic telescope. We also triggered target of opportunity (ToO) observation at the OSN, IRAM PdBI and the GTC+OSIRIS. The host galaxy photometric observations in optical to near-infrared (nIR) wavelengths were achieved through large ground-based aperture telescopes, such as the 10.4m GTC, the 4.2m WHT, 6m BTA, and the 2m LT. Based on these observations, spectral energy distributions (SED) for the host galaxy and afterglow were constructed. Thanks to mm observations at PdBI, we confirm the presence of a mm source within the XRT error circle that faded over the course of our observations and identify the host galaxy. However, we do not find any credible optical source within early observations with BOOTES-4/MET and 1.5m OSN telescopes. Spectroscopic observation of this galaxy by GTC showed a single faint emission line that likely corresponds to [OII] 3727\{AA} at a redshift of 1.250+/-0.001 implying a SFR(M_sun/yr) > 6.18 M_sun/yr without correcting for dust extinction. The probable extinction was revealed through analysis of the afterglow SED, resulting in a value of AV >= ~ 0.9 at the rest frame, this is comparable to extinction levels found among other dark GRBs. The SED of the host galaxy is explained well (chi2/d.o.f.=0.564) by a luminous (MB=-21.16), low-extinction (AV =0, rest frame), and aged (2.6 Gyr) stellar population. We can explain this apparent contradiction in global and line-of-sight extinction if the GRB birth place happened to lie in a local dense environment. In light of having relatively small specific SFR (SSFR) ~ 5.3 M_sun/yr (L/L_star)-1, this also could explain the age of the old stellar population of host galaxy.

New light on gamma-ray burst host galaxies withHerschel

Until recently, dust emission has been detected in very few host galaxies of gamma-ray bursts (GRBHs). With Herschel, we have now observed 17 GRBHs up to redshift z~3 and detected seven of them at infrared (IR) wavelengths. This relatively high detection rate (41%) may be due to the composition of our sample which at a median redshift of 1.1 is dominated by the hosts of dark GRBs. Although the numbers are small, statistics suggest that dark GRBs are more likely to be detected in the IR than their optically-bright counterparts. Combining our IR data with optical, near-infrared, and radio data from our own datasets and from the literature, we have constructed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) which span up to 6 orders of magnitude in wavelength. By fitting the SEDs, we have obtained stellar masses, dust masses, star-formation rate (SFR), and extinctions for our sample galaxies. We find that GRBHs are galaxies that tend to have a high specfic SFR (sSFR), and like other star-forming galaxies, their ratios of dust-to-stellar mass are well correlated with sSFR. We incorporate our Herschel sample into a larger compilation of GRBHs, and compare this combined sample to SFR-weighted median stellar masses of the widest, deepest galaxy survey to date. This is done in order to establish whether or not GRBs can be used as an unbiased tracer of cosmic comoving SFR density (SFRD) in the universe. In contrast with previous results, this comparison shows that GRBHs are medium-sized galaxies with relatively high sSFRs; stellar masses and sSFRs of GRBHs as a function of redshift are similar to what is expected for star-forming galaxy populations at similar redshifts. We conclude that there is no strong evidence that GRBs are biased tracers of SFRD; thus they should be able to reliably probe the SFRD to early epochs.

ILLUMINATING THE DARKEST GAMMA-RAY BURSTS WITH RADIO OBSERVATIONS

We present X-ray, optical, near-infrared, and radio observations of GRBs 110709B and 111215A, as well as optical and near-IR observations of their host galaxies. The combination of X-ray detections and deep optical/near-infrared limits establish both bursts as "dark". Sub-arcsecond positions enabled by radio detections lead to robust host galaxy associations, with optical detections that indicate z < 4 (110709B) and 1.8 < z < 2.7 (111215A). Using the radio and X-ray data for each burst we find that GRB 110709B requires A_V > 5.3 mag and GRB 111215A requires A_V > 8.5 mag (z=2), among the largest extinction values inferred for dark bursts to-date. The two bursts also exhibit large neutral hydrogen column densities (N_H > 10^22/cm^2; z=2) as inferred from their X-ray spectra, in agreement with the trend for dark GRBs. Finally, we find that for both bursts the afterglow emission is best explained by a collimated outflow with a total beaming-corrected energy of E_gamma+E_K ~ 7-9 x 10^51 erg (z=2) expanding into a wind medium with a high density (n~100-350 cm^-3 at 10^17 cm). While the energy release is typical of long GRBs, the inferred density may be indicative of larger mass loss rates for GRB progenitors in dusty (and hence metal rich) environments. This study establishes the critical role of radio observations in determining the origin and properties of dark GRBs. Observations with the JVLA and ALMA will provide a sample with sub-arcsecond positions and robust host associations that will help shed light on obscured star formation and the role of metallicity in GRB progenitors.

Keck Observations of 160 Gamma-Ray Burst Host Galaxies

We present a preliminary data release from our multi-year campaign at Keck Observatory to study the host galaxies of a large sample of Swift-era gamma-ray bursts via multi-color ground-based optical imaging and spectroscopy. With over 160 targets observed to date (and almost 100 host detections, most of which have not previously been reported in the literature) our effort represents the broadest GRB host survey to date. While targeting was heterogeneous, our observations span the known diversity of GRBs including short bursts, long bursts, spectrally soft GRBs (XRFs), ultra-energetic GRBs, X-ray faint GRBs, dark GRBs, SN-GRBs, and other sub-classes. We also present a preview of our database (currently available online via a convenient web interface) including a catalog of multi-color photometry, redshifts and line ID's. Final photometry and reduced imaging and spectra will be available in the near future.

Statistical studies of optically dark gamma-ray bursts in the Swift era

We compare the properties of optically dark GRBs, defined by the optical-to-X-ray spectral index βOX < 0.5, and normal ones discovered by the Swift satellite before the year 2008 in a statistical way, using data collected from the literature and online databases. Our sample includes 200 long bursts, 19 short bursts, and 10 with measured high redshifts (z ≳ 4). The ratio of dark bursts is found to be ∼ 10% – 20%, and is similar among long bursts, short ones, and the high-z sub-sample. The result for long bursts is consistent with both the pre-Swift sample and studies by other authors on smaller Swift samples. The existence of dark short GRBs is pointed out for the first time. The X-ray derived hydrogen column densities of dark GRBs clearly prefer large values compared with those of normal bursts. This supports the dust extinction scenario as the main cause of dark GRBs. Other possibilities like very high redshifts and non-standard emission mechanisms are less likely, although not fully excluded.

Quark-Nova Explosion inside a Collapsar: Application to Gamma Ray Bursts

If a quark-nova occurs inside a collapsar, the interaction between the quark-nova ejecta (relativistic iron-rich chunks) and the collapsar envelope leads to features indicative of those observed in Gamma Ray Bursts. The quark-nova ejecta collides with the stellar envelope creating an outward moving cap (Γ∼1–10) above the polar funnel. Prompt gamma-ray burst emission from internal shocks in relativistic jets (following accretion onto the quark star) becomes visible after the cap becomes optically thin. Model features include (i) precursor activity (optical, X-ray,γ-ray), (ii) promptγ-ray emission, and (iii) afterglow emission. We discuss SN-less long duration GRBs, short hard GRBs (including association and nonassociation with star forming regions), dark GRBs, the energetic X-ray flares detected in Swift GRBs, and the near-simultaneous optical andγ-ray prompt emission observed in GRBs in the context of our model.

A Multiband Study of the Optically Dark GRB 051028

Abstract Observations were made of the optical afterglow of GRB 051028 with the Lulin observatory 1.0m telescope and the Wide-Field Telescope for GRB Early Timing (WIDGET) robotic telescope system. $R$-band photometric data were obtained on 2005 October 28 (UT), or 0.095–0.180 d after the burst. There is a possible plateau in the optical light curve around 0.1 d after the burst; the afterglow of GRB 051028 resembles optically bright afterglows (e.g., GRB 041006, GRB 050319, GRB 060605) in shape of the light curve, but not in brightness. The brightness of the GRB 051028 afterglow is 3 mag fainter than that of one of the dark events, GRB 020124. Optically dark GRBs have been attributed to dust extinction within the host galaxy or a high redshift. However, a spectrum analysis of the X-rays implies that there is no significant absorption by the host galaxy. Furthermore, according to a theoretical calculation of the Ly$\alpha$ absorption to find the limit of the GRB 051028’s redshift, the expected $R$-band absorption is not high enough to explain the darkness of the afterglow. The present results disfavor either the high-redshift hypothesis or the high-extinction scenario for optically dark bursts; rather, they are consistent with the possibility that the brightness of the optical afterglow is intrinsically dark.

Probing the nature of dark GRBs with the exceptional burst GRB 060108(

We present observations of the optically dark burst GRB 060108, the 100th Swift burst. We find that the most likely explanation for the observed darkness is a combination of intrinsic faintness, a hard optical to X-ray spectrum and dust extinction.

Out of the darkness: the infrared afterglow of the INTEGRAL burst GRB 040422 observed with the VLT

GRB 040422 was detected by the INTEGRAL satellite at an angle of only 3 degrees from the Galactic plane. Analysis of the prompt emission observed with the SPI and IBIS instruments on INTEGRAL are presented. The IBIS spectrum is well fit by the Band model with a break energy of E0 = 56 ± 2 keV and Epeak = 41 ± 3 keV. The peak flux is 1.8 × 10 −7 erg cm −2 s −1 and fluence 3.4 × 10 −7 erg cm −2 in the range 20−200 keV. We then present the observations of the afterglow of GRB 040422, obtained with the ISAAC and FORS 2 instruments at the VLT less than 2 h after the burst. We report the discovery of its near-infrared afterglow, for which we give the astrometry and photometry. No detection could have been obtained in the R and I bands, partly due to the large extinction in the Milky Way. We imaged the position of the afterglow again two months later in the Ks band, and detected a likely bright host galaxy. We compare the magnitude of the afterglow with those of a compilation of promptly observed counterparts of previous GRBs, and show that the afterglow of GRB 040422 lies at the very faint end of the distribution, brighter only than that of GRB 021211, singled out later and in the optical bands, and GRB 040924 after accounting for Milky Way extinction. This observation suggests that the proportion of dark GRBs can be lowered significantly by a more systematic use of 8-m class telescopes in the infrared in the very early hours after the burst.

On the constraining observations of the dark GRB 001109 and the properties of az= 0.398 radio selected starburst galaxy contained in its error box

We present optical and NIR (near infrared) follow up observations of the GRB 001109 from 1 to 300 days after the burst. No transient emission was found at these wavelengths within this GRB's (Gamma Ray Burst) 50" radius BeppoSAX error box. Strong limits (3 sigma) are set with: R >~ 21, 10.2 hr after the GRB; I >~ 23, 11.4 hr after the GRB; H >~ 20.7, 9.9 hr after the GRB; and Ks >~ 20, 9.6 hours after the GRB. We discuss whether the radio source found in the GRB's error box (Taylor et al. 2000) might be related to the afterglow. We also present a multiwavelength study of a reddened starburst galaxy, found coincident with the potential radio and the X ray afterglow. We show that our strong I band upper limit makes of the GRB 001109 the darkest one localised by the BeppoSAX's NFI (Narrow Field Instrument), and it is one of the most constraining upper limits on GRB afterglows to date. Further to it, the implications of these observations in the context of dark GRBs are considered.

The Liverpool Telescope: rapid follow-up observation of targets of opportunity with a 2 m robotic telescope

The Liverpool Telescope, situated at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, Canaries, is the first 2-m, fully instrumented robotic telescope. It recently began observations. Among Liverpool Telescope's primary scientific goals is to monitor variable objects on all timescales from seconds to years. An additional benefit of its robotic operation is rapid reaction to unpredictable phenomena and their systematic follow up, simultaneous or coordinated with other facilities. The Target of Opportunity Programme of the Liverpool Telescope includes the prompt search for and observation of GRB and XRF counterparts. A special over-ride mode implemented for GRB/XRF follow-up enables observations commencing less than a minute after the alert, including optical and near infrared imaging and spectroscopy. In particular, the moderate aperture and rapid automated response make the Liverpool Telescope excellently suited to help solving the mystery of optically dark GRBs and for the investigation of currently unstudied short bursts and XRFs.

The Bright Gamma‐Ray Burst of 2000 February 10: A Case Study of an Optically Dark Gamma‐Ray Burst

The gamma-ray burst GRB000210 had the highest gamma-ray peak flux of any event localized by BeppoSAX as yet but it did not have a detected optical afterglow. It is therefore one of the events recently classified as dark GRBs or GHOST (GRB Hiding Optical Source Transient), whose origin is still unclear. Chandra observations allowed us to localize this GRB within ~1" and a radio transient was detected with the VLA. We identify the likely (P=0.01) host galaxy of this burst at z=0.846. The X-ray spectrum of the afterglow shows intrinsic absorption N_H=5x10**21 cm-2. The amount of dust needed to absorb the optical flux of this object is consistent with the above HI column density, given a dust-to-gas ratio similar to that of our Galaxy. We do not find evidence for a partially ionized absorber expected if the absorption takes place in a Giant Molecular Cloud. We therefore conclude that either the gas is local to the GRB, but is condensed in small-scale high-density (n>~10**9 cm-3) clouds, or that the GRB is located in a dusty, gas-rich region of the galaxy. Finally, if GRB000210 lies at z>5, its X-ray absorbing medium would have to be substantially different from that observed in GRBs with optical afterglows.

The Afterglow and the Host Galaxy of the Dark Burst GRB 970828

GRB 970828 was the first well-localized γ-ray burst (GRB) X-ray afterglow for which no optical afterglow was found despite a prompt, deep search down to Rlim ~ 24.5 mag. We report the discovery of a short-lived radio flare within the X-ray localization error circle of this burst. Such radio flares are seen in about 25% of GRB afterglows, and their origin is not well understood. The precise radio position enabled us to identify the likely host galaxy of this burst and to measure its redshift, z = 0.9578. The host appears to be an interacting/merging system. Under the assumption that the X-ray afterglow is mainly due to synchrotron mechanism, we infer the optical afterglow flux. The observed upper limits to the optical flux are easily explained by invoking an intervening dusty cloud within the host galaxy. These observations support the idea that GRBs with no detectable optical afterglows, or GRBs, can be due to dust extinction within the host galaxies. The census of dark GRBs can then be used to constrain the fraction of the obscured star formation in the universe. We argue that the existing data already indicate that the obscured star formation rate is no more than one-half of that seen at UV and optical wavelengths.