X-Ray Afterglows from Gamma-Ray Bursts

Abstract

We consider possible interpretations of the recently detected X-ray afterglow from the gamma-ray burst source GRB 970228. Cosmological and Galactic models of gamma-ray bursts predict different flux and spectral evolution of X-ray afterglows. We show that models based on adiabatic expansion of relativistic forward shocks require very efficient particle energization or postburst reacceleration during the expansion. Cooling neutron star models predict a very distinctive spectral and flux evolution that can be tested in current X-ray data. © 1997. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.