Probing the very high redshift Universe with Gamma-ray Bursts: prospects for observations with future X-ray instruments
arXiv:1008.3054 · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.17540.x
Abstract
Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are the most violent explosions in the Universe. Long duration GRBs are associated with the collapse of massive stars, rivaling their host galaxies in luminosity. The discovery of the most distant spectroscopically confirmed object in the Universe, GRB090423, opened a new window on the high redshift Universe, making it possible to study the cosmic 're-ionization' epoch and the preceding dark ages, as well as the generation of the first stars (Population III) using GRBs. Obviously this enables a wealth of new studies using the near infrared (nIR) characteristics of GRB afterglows. Here we explore a different path, focusing on the next generation of X-ray missions with large area focusing telescopes and fast repointing capabilities. We found that X-ray data can complement nIR observations and for the brightest GRBs can provide an accurate and independent redshift determination. Metallicity studies can also be carried out profitably once the redshift is known. Finally we discuss observational signatures of GRBs arising from Population III stars in the X-ray band.
Accepted for publication on MNRAS (1 figure, 3 tables)
References in corpus (11)
- The Supernova -- Gamma-Ray Burst Connection
- Long gamma-ray bursts and core-collapse supernovae have different environments
- The HII Region of a Primordial Star
- GRBs as Cosmological Probes - Cosmic Chemical Evolution
- Observations of the Naked-Eye GRB 080319B: Implications of Nature's Brightest Explosion
- Very different X-ray to optical column density ratios in gamma-ray burst afterglows: ionisation in GRB environments
- Formation of Massive Primordial Stars in a Reionized Gas
- The X-ray afterglow of the short gamma ray burst 050724
- A metal rich molecular cloud surrounds GRB 050904 at redshift 6.3
- No evidence for dust extinction in GRB 050904 at z ~ 6.3
- Outliers from the mainstream: how a massive star can produce a gamma-ray burst