The GRB/SN Connection: An Improved Spectral Flux Distribution for the SN-Like Component to the Afterglow of GRB 970228, the Non-Detection of a SN-Like Component to the Afterglow of GRB 990510, and GRBs as Beacons to Locate SNe at Redshifts z = 4 - 5

We better determine the spectral flux distribution of the supernova candidate associated with GRB 970228 by modeling the spectral flux distribution of the host galaxy of this burst, fitting this model to measurements of the host galaxy, and using the fitted model to better subtract out the contribution of the host galaxy to measurements of the afterglow of this burst. Furthermore, we discuss why the non-detection of a SN1998bw-like component to the afterglow of GRB 990510 does not necessarily imply that a SN is not associated with this burst. Finally, we discuss how bursts can be used as beacons to locate SNe out to redshifts of z = 4 - 5.Comment: To appear in Proc. of the 5th Huntsville Gamma-Ray Burst Symposium, 5 pages, LaTe

A Bayesian Inference Analysis of the X-ray Cluster Luminosity-Temperature Relation

We present a Bayesian inference analysis of the Markevitch (1998) and Allen & Fabian (1998) cooling flow corrected X-ray cluster temperature catalogs that constrains the slope and the evolution of the empirical X-ray cluster luminosity-temperature (L-T) relation. We find that for the luminosity range 10^44.5 erg s^-1 < L_bol < 10^46.5 erg s^-1 and the redshift range z < 0.5, L_bol is proportional to T^2.80(+0.15/-0.15)(1+z)^(0.91-1.12q_0)(+0.54/-1.22). We also determine the L-T relation that one should use when fitting the Press- Schechter mass function to X-ray cluster luminosity catalogs such as the Einstein Medium Sensitivity Survey (EMSS) and the Southern Serendipitous High- Redshift Archival ROSAT Catalog (Southern SHARC), for which cooling flow corrected luminosities are not determined and a universal X-ray cluster temperature of T = 6 keV is assumed. In this case, L_bol is proportional to T^2.65(+0.23/-0.20)(1+z)^(0.42-1.26q_0)(+0.75/-0.83) for the same luminosity and redshift ranges.Comment: Accepted to The Astrophysical Journal, 20 pages, LaTe

The GRB/SN Connection: An Improved Spectral Flux Distribution for the Supernova Candidate Associated with GRB 970228

We better determine the spectral flux distribution of the supernova candidate associated with GRB 970228 by modeling the spectral flux distribution of the host galaxy of this burst, fitting this model to measurements of the host galaxy, and using the fitted model to better subtract out the contribution of the host galaxy to measurements of the afterglow of this burst.Comment: To appear in Proc. of the 10th Annual October Astrophysics Conference in Maryland: Cosmic Explosions, 4 pages, LaTe

The Redshift of GRB 970508

GRB 970508 is the second gamma-ray burst (GRB) for which an optical afterglow has been detected. It is the first GRB for which a distance scale has been determined: absorption and emission features in spectra of the optical afterglow place GRB 970508 at a redshift of z >= 0.835 (Metzger et al. 1997a, 1997b). The lack of a Lyman-alpha forest in these spectra further constrains this redshift to be less than approximately 2.3. I show that the spectrum of the optical afterglow of GRB 970508, once corrected for Galactic absorption, is inconsistent with the relativistic blast-wave model unless a second, redshifted source of extinction is introduced. This second source of extinction may be the yet unobserved host galaxy. I determine its redshift to be z = 1.09^{+0.14}_{-0.41}, which is consistent with the observed redshift of z = 0.835. Redshifts greater than z = 1.40 are ruled out at the 3 sigma confidence level.Comment: Accepted to The Astrophysical Journal (Letters), 10 pages, LaTe

Observations and Theoretical Implications of GRB 970228

GRB 970228 is the first gamma ray burst for which prolonged post-burst transient x-ray, optical, and infrared emission has been detected. Recent Hubble Space Telescope observations show that the transient consists of two components: a point source, which is known to be fading, and an extended source, which is possibly fading. I fit standard fireball remnant models to the first month of x-ray, optical, and infrared measurements, which may be done without assuming a GRB distance scale. I show that its emission is consistent with that of the remnant of a relativistically expanding impulsive fireball in which a forward shock dominates the emission of the GRB event: the piston model. However, two discrepant measurements may indicate that the post-burst flux varies by factors of approximately 3 on timescales of days or weeks. Furthermore, using the HST observations and the fitted model, I show that the extended object probably is fading, which may place GRB 970228 at galactic halo distances.Comment: Accepted to the Astrophysical Journal Letters, 11 pages, LaTe

GRB 970228 Revisited: Evidence for a Supernova in the Light Curve and La te Spectral Energy Distribution of the Afterglow

At the time of its discovery, the optical and X-ray afterglow of GRB 970228 appeared to be a ringing endorsement of the previously untried relativistic fireball model of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows, but now that nearly a dozen optical afterglows to GRBs have been observed, the wavering light curve and reddening spectrum of this afterglow make it perhaps the most difficult of the observed afterglows to reconcile with the fireball model. In this Letter, we argue that this afterglow's unusual temporal and spectral properties can be attributed to a supernova that overtook the light curve nearly two weeks after the GRB. This is the strongest case yet for a GRB/supernova connection. It strengthens the case that a supernova also dominated the late afterglow of GRB 980326, and the case that GRB 980425 is related to SN 1998bw.Comment: Accepted to The Astrophysical Journal (Letters), 14 pages, LaTe

GRB 970228 and GRB 980329 and the Nature of Their Host Galaxie

We find that the local galactic extinction towards the field of gamma-ray burst GRB970228 is $A_V=1.09^{+0.10}_{-0.20}$, which implies a substantial dimming and change in the spectral slope of the intrinsic GRB970228 afterglow. We measure a color $(V_{606}-I_{814})_{ST} = -0.18^{+0.51}_{-0.61}$ for the extended source coincident with the afterglow. Taking into account our measurement of the extinction toward this field, this color implies that the extended source is most likely a galaxy undergoing star formation, in agreement with our earlier conclusion (\cite{CL98}). In a separate analysis, we find that the inferred intrinsic spectrum of the GRB 980329 afterglow is consistent with the predictions of the simplest relativistic fireball model. We also find that the intrinsic spectrum of the afterglow is extincted both by dust (source frame A_V \ga 1 mag), and that the shape of the extinction curve is typical of young star-forming regions like the Orion Nebula but is not typical of older star-forming or starburst regions. The $\approx$ 2 mag drop between the $R$ and the $I$ bands can be explained by the far-ultraviolet non-linear component of the extinction curve if 3 \la z \la 4, and by the 2175 Å\ bump if $z given our general model

A Photometric Investigation of the GRB970228 Afterglow and the Associated Nebulosity

We carefully analyze the WFPC2 and STIS images of GRB970228. We measure magnitudes for the GRB970228 point source component in the WFPC2 images of $V=26.20^{+0.14}_{-0.13}$, $I_c=23.94^{+0.10}_{-0.09}$ and $V=26.52^{+0.16}_{-0.18}$, $I_c=24.31^{+0.15}_{-0.11}$ on March 26 and April 7, respectively; and $R_c=27.09^{+0.14}_{-0.14}$ on September 4 in the STIS image. For the extended component, we measure magnitudes of $R_c=25.48^{+0.22}_{-0.20}$ in the combined WFPC2 images and $R_c=25.54^{+0.33}_{-0.22}$ in the STIS image, which are consistent with no variation. This value is fainter than previously reported (Galama et al. 98) and modifies the previously assumed magnitudes for the optical transient when it faded to a level where the extended source component contribution was not negligible, alleviating the discrepancy to a power-law temporal behavior. We also measure a color of $V_{606}-I_{814}=-0.18^{+0.51}_{-0.61}$ for the extended source component. Taking into account the extinction measured in this field (Castander & Lamb 1998), this color implies that the extended source is most likely a galaxy with ongoing star formation.Comment: 21 pages, including 8 figures. Submitted to Ap

Salinity control on Na incorporation into calcite tests of the planktonic foraminifera Trilobatus sacculifer – Evidence from culture experiments and surface sediments

The quantitative reconstruction of past seawater salinity has yet to be achieved and the search for a direct and independent salinity proxy is ongoing. Recent culture and field studies show a significant positive correlation of Na/Ca with salinity in benthic and planktonic foraminiferal calcite. For accurate paleoceanographic reconstructions, consistent and reliable calibrations are necessary, which are still missing. In order to assess the reliability of foraminiferal Na/Ca as a direct proxy for seawater salinity, this study presents electron microprobe Na/Ca data, measured on cultured specimens of Trilobatus sacculifer. The culture experiments were conducted over a wide salinity range of 26 to 45, while temperature was kept constant. To further understand potential controlling factors of Na incorporation, measurements were also performed on foraminifera cultured at various temperatures in the range of 19.5 °C to 29.5 °C under constant salinity conditions. Foraminiferal Na/Ca ratios positively correlate with seawater salinity (Na/Caforam = 0.97 + 0.115 ⋅ Salinity, R = 0.97, p < 0.005). Temperature on the other hand exhibits no statistically significant relationship with Na/Ca ratios indicating salinity to be the dominant factor controlling Na incorporation. The culturing results are corroborated by measurements on T. sacculifer from Caribbean and Gulf of Guinea surface sediments. In conclusion, planktonic foraminiferal Na/Ca can be applied as a reliable proxy for reconstructing sea surface salinities, albeit species-specific calibrations might be necessary