Pulse decay time analysis of Fermi GBM gamma-ray bursts and magnetar giant flares

Project Description:

Gamma−ray bursts (GRBs) one of the most luminous sources in the universe with redshifts reaching up to z ≈ 10 , making them ideal cosmological probes. They are classified based on their emission duration (T90), with short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs) lasting T90 < 2 seconds and long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) exceeding 2 seconds. While LGRBs are well-characterized, the Vela satellites in 1979 detected sources resembling SGRBs that originate from nearby star-forming galaxies. These sources, known as Magnetar Giant Flares (MGFs), arise from highly magnetised neutron stars (magnetars) and exhibit temporal structures similar to cosmological SGRBs. As a result, some MGFs are misclassified as SGRBs, causing uncertainties in cosmological studies. The project aims to study the pulse decay time of GRBs and MGFs using Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) data. This study will help distinguish between GRBs and MGFs based on their pulse decay features, improving classification accuracy and enhancing our understanding of these transients.

Research Area:

Astrophysics

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(NWU)

Special Requirements:

The student should have basic understanding of Linux operating system and Python programming language.