Gamma Ray Burst Beaming Constraints from Afterglow Light Curves: GRB 970508

Abstract

The beaming angle (zeta) is the main uncertainty in gamma ray burst energy requirements today. We summarize predictions for the light curves of beamed bursts, and model the R band light curve of GRB 970508 to derive zeta > 30 degrees. This yields an irreducible minimum energy requirement of 3.4 times 10^{49} ergs to power the afterglow alone.

2 pages, one embedded postscript figure. To appear in Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement series (Rome conference proceedings issue). Uses "aa" documentclass

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