Relativistic transport model for beta-particles in homologously expanding kilonova ejecta, incorporating per-species atomic data, shows non-local deposition and escape lower thermalization efficiency with analytic prescriptions supplied for light-curve codes.
Spectroscopic identification of r-process nucleosynthesis in a double neutron star merger
7 Pith papers cite this work. Polarity classification is still indexing.
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abstract
The merger of two neutron stars is predicted to give rise to three major detectable phenomena: a short burst of gamma-rays, a gravitational wave signal, and a transient optical/near-infrared source powered by the synthesis of large amounts of very heavy elements via rapid neutron capture (the r-process). Such transients, named "macronovae" or "kilonovae", are believed to be centres of production of rare elements such as gold and platinum. The most compelling evidence so far for a kilonova was a very faint near-infrared rebrightening in the afterglow of a short gamma-ray burst at z = 0.356, although findings indicating bluer events have been reported. Here we report the spectral identification and describe the physical properties of a bright kilonova associated with the gravitational wave source GW 170817 and gamma-ray burst GRB 170817A associated with a galaxy at a distance of 40 Mpc from Earth. Using a series of spectra from ground-based observatories covering the wavelength range from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared, we find that the kilonova is characterized by rapidly expanding ejecta with spectral features similar to those predicted by current models. The ejecta is optically thick early on, with a velocity of about 0.2 times light speed, and reaches a radius of about 50 astronomical units in only 1.5 days. As the ejecta expands, broad absorption-like lines appear on the spectral continuum indicating atomic species produced by nucleosynthesis that occurs in the post-merger fast-moving dynamical ejecta and in two slower (0.05 times light speed) wind regions. Comparison with spectral models suggests that the merger ejected 0.03-0.05 solar masses of material, including high-opacity lanthanides.
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Magnetically driven shocks from neutron star merger remnants can reheat ejecta to nuclear statistical equilibrium, alter r-process yields, and produce observable changes in kilonova color and light curves.
3D GRMHD simulations with second-moment neutrino transport show aligned spins produce more collimated polar outflows and 2.4e-3 solar masses of proton-rich material yielding light r-process elements like 56Ni, while antialigned spins disrupt magnetic amplification.
The paper proposes a high-redshift (z>2) origin for GRB 061201 by combining afterglow constraints with deep JWST near-infrared imaging of a faint candidate host.
The Einstein Telescope will enable gravitational-wave observations up to cosmological distances, opening avenues for discoveries in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics.
A review of early optical GRB features including prompt emission, reverse shocks, and afterglow onset, highlighting robotic telescopes' role in constraining jet Lorentz factors and magnetization.
Overview of synergies between SKA radio observations and gamma-ray facilities for studying transient, variable, and steady GeV-TeV sources.
citing papers explorer
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Beta-Particle Transport and Thermalization in Kilonova Ejecta with Detailed Atomic Microphysics
Relativistic transport model for beta-particles in homologously expanding kilonova ejecta, incorporating per-species atomic data, shows non-local deposition and escape lower thermalization efficiency with analytic prescriptions supplied for light-curve codes.
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Effects of magnetically driven shocks on nucleosynthesis and kilonovae from neutron star mergers
Magnetically driven shocks from neutron star merger remnants can reheat ejecta to nuclear statistical equilibrium, alter r-process yields, and produce observable changes in kilonova color and light curves.
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Magnetic Eruption and Nucleosynthesis in GR{\nu}MHD Simulations of Spinning Neutron Star Mergers
3D GRMHD simulations with second-moment neutrino transport show aligned spins produce more collimated polar outflows and 2.4e-3 solar masses of proton-rich material yielding light r-process elements like 56Ni, while antialigned spins disrupt magnetic amplification.
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A possible high-redshift origin for the short GRB 061201: implications of a compact binary merger beyond cosmic noon
The paper proposes a high-redshift (z>2) origin for GRB 061201 by combining afterglow constraints with deep JWST near-infrared imaging of a faint candidate host.
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Science Case for the Einstein Telescope
The Einstein Telescope will enable gravitational-wave observations up to cosmological distances, opening avenues for discoveries in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics.
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Early Optical Follow-up of Gamma-Ray Bursts: The Critical Role of Robotic Telescopes
A review of early optical GRB features including prompt emission, reverse shocks, and afterglow onset, highlighting robotic telescopes' role in constraining jet Lorentz factors and magnetization.
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SKAO and Gamma-Ray Synergies
Overview of synergies between SKA radio observations and gamma-ray facilities for studying transient, variable, and steady GeV-TeV sources.