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Long-Duration GRBs

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (long-duration GRBs) are a class of gamma-ray bursts that last for more than 2 seconds, in contrast to short-duration GRBs which last less than 2 seconds. These long-duration GRBs are thought to be associated with the deaths of massive stars and the formation of black holes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Long-duration GRBs are associated with the collapse of massive stars into black holes, a process known as a 'collapsar' event.
  2. The gamma-ray emission from long-duration GRBs is thought to be powered by the accretion of material onto the newly formed black hole.
  3. Long-duration GRBs are often accompanied by a bright afterglow of X-ray, optical, and radio emission that can be detected for days or weeks after the initial burst.
  4. The host galaxies of long-duration GRBs are typically star-forming galaxies, consistent with the idea that these bursts are linked to the deaths of massive stars.
  5. Studying the properties of long-duration GRBs, such as their energy output, duration, and association with supernovae, can provide insights into the physics of black hole formation and the final stages of massive star evolution.

Review Questions

  • Explain the key differences between long-duration and short-duration gamma-ray bursts.
    • The primary distinction between long-duration and short-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is their duration. Long-duration GRBs last for more than 2 seconds, while short-duration GRBs are less than 2 seconds in duration. This difference in duration is believed to be related to the underlying physical processes that generate the gamma-ray emission. Long-duration GRBs are associated with the collapse of massive stars into black holes, a process known as a 'collapsar' event, while short-duration GRBs are thought to be caused by the merger of two neutron stars.
  • Describe the typical host galaxies and associated physical processes for long-duration GRBs.
    • Long-duration GRBs are typically found in star-forming galaxies, which is consistent with the idea that they are linked to the deaths of massive stars. The gamma-ray emission from long-duration GRBs is thought to be powered by the accretion of material onto the newly formed black hole, following the collapse of the massive star. This process, known as a 'collapsar' event, can also produce a bright afterglow of X-ray, optical, and radio emission that can be detected for days or weeks after the initial burst. By studying the properties of long-duration GRBs, such as their energy output and association with supernovae, astronomers can gain insights into the physics of black hole formation and the final stages of massive star evolution.
  • Analyze the significance of long-duration GRBs in the context of our understanding of the universe and the evolution of stars.
    • Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are of great significance in our understanding of the universe and the evolution of stars. These energetic events are associated with the collapse of massive stars into black holes, a process known as a 'collapsar' event. By studying the properties of long-duration GRBs, such as their energy output, duration, and association with supernovae, astronomers can gain valuable insights into the physics of black hole formation and the final stages of massive star evolution. Additionally, the host galaxies of long-duration GRBs are typically star-forming, which provides information about the environments in which these bursts occur and the role they play in the larger context of galaxy formation and evolution. Understanding the nature and origins of long-duration GRBs is crucial for expanding our knowledge of the most extreme and energetic phenomena in the universe.