Gamma-ray bursts cover various areas of astronomy and interest in them reaches a wide range of fields. The science behind them is rapidly moving and this book examines the knowledge that we now have as well as the questions that are continually being raised. Predominantly aimed at PhD students and researchers in the area, Gamma-Ray Bursts addresses this fascinating topic and outlines the principles and initial applications of a fascinating astronomical phenomena.

As the most powerful explosions that occurs in the universe, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are one of the most exciting objects being studied in astrophysics. Creating more energy than the Sun does in its entire lifetime, GRBs create a blaze of light that will outshine every other object visible in the sky, enabling us to measure galaxies that are several million years old.

GRBs cover various areas of astronomy and interest in them reaches a wide range of fields. Andrew Levan explores the fascinating history of these astronomical occurrences and details our current understanding of GRBs. The science behind them is rapidly moving and this book examines the knowledge that we now have as well as the questions that are continually being raised. Predominantly aimed at PhD students and researchers in the area, Gamma-Ray Bursts addresses this captivating topic and outlines the principles and initial applications of a fascinating astronomical phenomena

Preface

1 – A Historical Primer

2 – Prompt Emission

3 – Afterglow emission

4 – Central Engines

5 – Long GRB progenitors

6 – Short GRB progenitors

7 – GRBs as cosmological probes

8 – Long GRB host galaxies

9 - Multi-messenger Astronomy

10 – GRB astronomy: Summary and Future Outlook