Aim: To present the optical observations of the afterglow of GRB 101024A and
to try to reconcile these observations with the X-ray afterglow data of GRB
101024A using current afterglow models
Method: We employ early optical observations using the Zadko Telescope
combined with X-ray data and compare with the reverse shock/forward shock
model.
Results: The early optical light curve reveals a very unusual steep decay
index of alpha~5. This is followed by a flattening and possibly a plateau phase
coincident with a similar feature in the X-ray. We discuss these observations
in the framework of the standard reverse shock/forward shock model and energy
injection.We note that the plateau phase might also be the signature of the
formation of a new magnetar.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy and
Astrophysic
