What Explains the Variation in Gamma-Ray Burst Spectral Time Lags?

  • Thread starter wolram
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In summary, the new theory suggests that gamma ray bursts can be determined distance traveled based on the spectral time lag between higher- and lower-energy gamma rays. If this theory is correct, it would suggest that some other property of the universe must be wrong.
  • #1
wolram
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http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0508294

Authors: Theodore G. Pavlopoulos
Comments: 9 pages, no figures

From recent observations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), it appears that spectral time lags between higher-energy gamma rays photons and lower-energy photons vary with energy difference and time (distance) traveled. These lags appear to be smaller for the most luminous (close) bursts but larger for the fainter (farther away) bursts. From this observation, it has been suggested that it might be possible to determine the distance (L) these bursts have traveled from these time lags alone, without performing any red-shift measurements. These observed spreads (dispersion) of high-energy electromagnetic pulses of different energies with time contradict the special theory of relativity (STR). However, extended theories (ET) of the STR have been developed that contain a dispersive term, predicting the above observations. An example of such an ET is presented, allowing us to derive a relationship between time lags of gamma rays of different energies and distance L traveled from their origin. In addition, this theory predicts the origin of X-ray flashes
 
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  • #2
Of course it does! Every physical theory can be improved because we can never know everything! Relativity, like any theory, can always be improved.
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
Of course it does! Every physical theory can be improved because we can never know everything! Relativity, like any theory, can always be improved.

May be i should ask, are these observations reason enough ? and if they can be
falsified ?
 
  • #4
If they violate STR, then do they necesarily violate GTR? Or is it more along the lines of, "we had to simplify the model, so we assumed STR is a valid description of the universe"? (Perhaps locally?)
 
  • #5
If the findings reported are correct, then some thing else must be wrong.
 
  • #6
how about joao's faster than light speculation?
gurkha
 
  • #7
wolram said:
May be i should ask, are these observations reason enough ? and if they can be
falsified ?

I'd need a couple more things to happen before I could believe in the new theory.

1) The data that produced it would have to be replicated by another experimenter.

2) Other explanations (properties of the interstellar media, for instance) would have to be ruled out. If the new theory could make some other predictions that that could be experimentally confirmed, that would be fairly convincing.
 

1. Does STR need modifying?

The answer to this question depends on the specific context and purpose of the STR. In general, STRs are highly variable and can evolve rapidly, so they may require modification in certain situations. However, if the STR is being used for a stable and well-defined purpose, modification may not be necessary.

2. How do I determine if STR needs modifying?

To determine if an STR needs modifying, it is important to first evaluate the specific goals and requirements of the project. Then, analyze the characteristics of the STR, such as its variability and stability, and compare it to other available STRs that may better suit the project's needs.

3. What are some common reasons for modifying STR?

There are several common reasons for modifying STR, including changes in the study population or research goals, advancements in technology that allow for more accurate or efficient analysis, or the discovery of new, more informative STR markers.

4. How can I modify STR?

Modifying STR can involve several different approaches, such as using different primers to target different regions of the STR or using different amplification techniques. It may also involve combining multiple STRs or incorporating other genetic markers, such as SNPs, to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

5. What are the potential consequences of modifying STR?

The consequences of modifying STR can vary depending on the specific modification and the intended use of the STR. In some cases, modifications may improve the accuracy or efficiency of analysis, while in others, they may introduce new sources of error or limit the comparability of results with previous studies. It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences before making any modifications to an STR.

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