LIGO detects no gravitational waves from gamma ray burst

[SF]

On February 1, 2007, the Konus-Wind, Integral, Messenger, and Swift gamma-ray satellites measured a short but intense outburst of energetic gamma rays originating in the direction of M31, the Andromeda galaxy, located 2.5 million light-years away. The majority of such short (less than two seconds in duration) gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to emanate from the merger and coalescence of two massive but compact objects, such as neutron stars or black-hole systems. They can also come from astronomical objects known as soft gamma-ray repeaters, which are less common than binary coalescence events and emit less energetic gamma rays.

During the intense blast of gamma rays, known as GRB070201, the 4-km and 2-km gravitational-wave interferometers at the Hanford facility were in science mode and collecting data. They did not, however, measure any gravitational waves in the aftermath of the burst.

That non-detection was itself significant.

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=24501

 

[jonmtkisco]

Hi SF,

Very interesting! Can someone describe what a "soft gamma-ray repeater" is?

Jon

 

[wolram]

It is supposed to be a Magnetastar (spelling) another cosmological oddity, or that is what i have read.

Edit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_gamma_repeater

 

[wolram]

I read this some time ago, no chance of GW from lightning i guess.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/10/071011-lightning-rays.html

 

[Coin]

I read this some time ago, no chance of GW from lightning i guess.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/10/071011-lightning-rays.html

Hm, that's very interesting but it seems like this couldn't explain the Feb 1 observation, since those were taken by satellites?

 

[wolram]

Oh no i just meant it as a way gamma rays can come from things that would not produce gravitational radiation.

 

[Coin]

Oh, I see.