Analysis of observations with XMM-Newton have made a significant contribution
to the study of Gamma-ray Burst (GRB) X-ray afterglows. The effective area,
bandpass and resolution of the EPIC instrument permit the study of a wide
variety of spectral features. In particular, strong, time-dependent, soft X-ray
emission lines have been discovered in some bursts. The emission mechanism and
energy source for these lines pose major problems for the current generation of
GRB models. Other GRBs have intrinsic absorption, possibly related to the
environment around the progenitor, or possible iron emission lines similar to
those seen in GRBs observed with BeppoSAX. Further XMM-Newton observations of
GRBs discovered by the Swift satellite should help unlock the origin of the GRB
phenomenon over the next few years.Comment: To appear in proceedings of the "XMM-Newton EPIC Consortium meeting,
Palermo, 2003 October 14-16", published in Memorie della Societa Astronomica
Italian
