Multi-Messenger Astronomy with GRBs: A White Paper for the Astro2010 Decadal Survey

TL;DR

This white paper advocates for multi-messenger astronomy using gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), emphasizing the integration of electromagnetic, neutrino, and gravitational wave observations to unlock fundamental cosmic insights in the upcoming decade.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of current and future observatories to advance multi-messenger GRB studies, proposing a coordinated approach for groundbreaking discoveries.

Findings

GRBs are key to understanding cosmic ray origins.

Multi-messenger observations can identify GRB progenitors.

Synergistic use of observatories enhances discovery potential.

Abstract

Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs) are relativistic cosmological beacons of transient high energy radiation whose afterglows span the electromagnetic spectrum. Theoretical expectations of correlated neutrino and/or gravitational wave (GW) emission position GRBs at an astrophysical nexus for a metamorphosis in our understanding of the Cosmos. This new dawn in the era of experimental (particle) astrophysics and cosmology is afforded by current and planned facilities enabling the novel astronomies of high energy neutrinos and gravitational waves, in concert with unprecedented electromagnetic coverage. In this white paper, we motivate GRBs as a compelling scientific theme and highlight key technical advances that may facilitate fundamental breakthroughs in the context of Swift, Fermi, IceCube and LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory), whose capabilities would be augmented with JANUS (Joint Astrophysics Nascent Universe Satellite), EXIST (Energetic X-ray Imaging Survey Telescope) and LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna). Scientific synergy will be achieved by leveraging the combined sensitivity of contemporaneous ground-based and satellite observatories, thus optimizing their collective discovery potential for: (i) revealing the origin(s) and acceleration mechanism(s) of cosmic rays, (ii) exposing GRB progenitor(s) and (iii) exploring the high-z Cosmos. Hence, the advent of GRB multi-messenger astronomy may cement an explicit connection to fundamental physics, via nascent cosmic windows, throughout the next decade and beyond.