Radio observations of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows are essential for our
understanding of the physics of relativistic blast waves, as they enable us to
follow the evolution of GRB explosions much longer than the afterglows in any
other wave band. We have performed a three-year monitoring campaign of GRB
030329 with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescopes (WSRT) and the Giant
Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). Our observations, combined with observations
at other wavelengths, have allowed us to determine the GRB blast wave physical
parameters, such as the total burst energy and the ambient medium density, as
well as investigate the jet nature of the relativistic outflow. Further, by
modeling the late-time radio light curve of GRB 030329, we predict that the
Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR, 30-240 MHz) will be able to observe afterglows of
similar GRBs, and constrain the physics of the blast wave during its
non-relativistic phase.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A, vol.365, p.1241,
proceedings of the Royal Society Scientific Discussion Meeting, London,
September 200