Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are luminous stellar explosions characterized by the ejection of relativistic jets. This work proposes a novel paradigm to study these GRB jets. By analyzing the timing information of prompt pulses and X-ray flares, in conjunction with the multiwavelength afterglow observations, we identify three distinct jets in the extraordinary GRB 060729, with initial bulk Lorentz factors ranging from approximately 20 to 80, smaller than typical values of >100. These three jets undergo two successive collisions, producing the observed pair of X-ray flares. Following these interactions, the system evolves into a fast, narrow jet and a slower, hollow jet that continues to propagate in the circumburst medium, evidenced by the notable twin bumps observed in the X-ray and optical afterglow of GRB 060729. Our findings demonstrate that the timing of the early emission enables us to measure the velocities of the GRB jets. The proposed paradigm enhances our understanding of jet dynamics and shock interactions and serves as a powerful tool for probing the physics of the central engine with the expanded sample in the current golden era of GRB research.
Authors: Jin-Jun Geng, Ding-Fang Hu, Hao-Xuan Gao, Yi-Fang Liang, Yan-Long Hua, Guo-Rui Zhang, Tian-Rui Sun, Bing Li, Yuan-Qi Liu, Fan Xu, Chen Deng, Chen-Ran Hu, Ming Xu, Yong-Feng Huang, Miao-Miao Zhang, Min Fang, Jing-Zhi Yan, Tao An, Xue-Feng Wu
Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Purple Mountain Observatory, University of Science and Technology of China, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of High Energy Physics, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Anhui Normal University, Nanjing University, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,400
OpenAlex ID: W4410211400