Gamma-ray bursts as the birth-cries of black holes

Abstract

The origin of cosmic gamma-ray bursts remains one of the most intriguing puzzles in astronomy. We suggest that purely general relativistic effects in the collapse of massive stars could account for these bursts. The late formation of closed trapped surfaces can occur naturally, allowing the escape of huge energy from curvature-generated fireballs, before these are hidden within a black hole.

4 pages Revtex, 1 figure. This essay received an honorable mention in the Gravity Research Foundation essay competition

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