Magnetic field effects and particle acceleration in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs): theory, numerical simulations, and observational prospects

• Grant number: 11/51275-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: December 01, 2011 - November 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Extragalactic Astrophysics
• Convênio/Acordo: Hebrew University of Jerusalem - HUJ
• Principal Investigator: Elisabete Maria de Gouveia Dal Pino
• Grantee: Elisabete Maria de Gouveia Dal Pino
• Principal researcher abroad: Tsvi Piran
• Institution abroad: Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 06/50654-3 - Investigation of high energy and plasma astrophysics phenomena: theory, observation, and numerical simulations, AP.TEM

Abstract

In the ongoing thematic project related to this proposal, several aspects of the theory of Astrophysical jets including production mechanisms and energetic particle acceleration have been investigated both analytically and numerically. Supersonic jets are ubiquitous in the Universe as they are associated to a wide variety of astrophysical objects - from young stars to gamma-ray-bursts (GRBs). In particular, GRBs are the most energetic and probably most mysterious phenomena in the cosmos and in this joint Proposal with Prof. T. Piran of HUJ, one of the most prominent experts in the world in GRBs theory, we aim to investigate several aspects of the physics of the ultra relativistic jets associated to GRBs. In this context, we plan to study: magnetic field reconnection, magnetic turbulence, MHD dynamics of jets, and particle acceleration by collisionless magnetized shocks and by magnetic reconnection within the relativistic regime. This project will maximize the synergy between the two groups. The research will involve both analytic techniques and numerical simulations. It will also involve analysis of astronomical satellite data concerning GRBs and the possibility to make theoretical predictions for the coming CTA (Cherenkov Telescope Array) gamma-ray observatory. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SINGH, C. B.; DE GOUVEIA DAL PINO, E. M.; KADOWAKI, L. H. S.. ON THE ROLE OF FAST MAGNETIC RECONNECTION IN ACCRETING BLACK HOLE SOURCES. Astrophysical Journal Letters, v. 799, n. 2, FEB 1 2015. (13/09065-8, 11/51275-4)

ROCHA DA SILVA, G.; FALCETA-GONCALVES, D.; KOWAL, G.; DE GOUVEIA DAL PINO, E. M.. Ambient magnetic field amplification in shock fronts of relativistic jets: an application to GRB afterglows. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, v. 446, n. 1, p. 104-119, JAN 2015. (13/18815-0, 09/54006-4, 11/12909-8, 13/04073-2, 06/50654-3, 11/51275-4, 09/50053-8)