Short GRB's: Neutron Star Merger Evidence?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential connection between short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) and neutron star mergers, focusing on the observational evidence supporting this hypothesis. The scope includes theoretical implications and observational data related to astrophysics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the existence of actual observational evidence linking short burst GRBs to neutron star mergers.
  • Another participant suggests that while there are numerous hints and indirect evidence, nothing is conclusive. They note that binary neutron star mergers seem to match the properties of sGRBs better than other models.
  • Observational points mentioned include the association of sGRBs with old stellar populations, their larger separations from host galaxies, and the alignment of their time duration and energy content with expectations for binary neutron star systems.
  • The participant also highlights that the observed and expected event rates are consistent, though the expectations come with significant error bars.
  • A conclusive piece of evidence would be the coincident detection of gravitational waves from a sGRB source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the strength of the evidence linking sGRBs to neutron star mergers, with some suggesting indirect support while others emphasize the lack of conclusive evidence. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive connection.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on indirect evidence and the significant error bars associated with event rate expectations, which may affect the interpretation of the data.

skydivephil
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Is there any actaul observational evidence that short burst GRB's are casued by neutron star mergers?
 
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There are numerous hints, and indirect pieces of evidence, but nothing conclusive. Binary neutron star mergers seem to perfectly match the properties of sGRBs, while no other models are able to---which is an indication in itself. Some of the relevant observations:

sGRBs come from old stellar populations without star formation (e.g. red ellipticals)
They have much larger separations from their host galaxies
The time duration and energy content matches expectations for binary neutron star systems
The observed and expected event rates are consistent (but the expectations have huge error bars)

The conclusive piece of evidence would be coincident detection of gravitationals waves from a sGRB source.
 
Thanks a lot for that , i was trying to find what thhe evidence was but couldn't really find anything cocnrete, much appreciated.
 
Happy to help
 

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