Optical observational biases in the GRB redshift

TL;DR

This paper investigates observational biases affecting the measured redshift distribution of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) across different satellites, revealing significant differences likely due to selection effects.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of how observational biases influence the redshift measurements of GRBs from various satellites, highlighting the need to account for these biases in astrophysical studies.

Findings

Significant difference in redshift distributions between HETE and Swift GRBs

Biases impact the interpretation of GRB redshift data

Analysis suggests observational biases influence measured redshifts

Abstract

The measured redshifts of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which were first detected by the Swift satellite, seem to be bigger on average than the redshifts of GRBs detected by other satellites. We analyzed the redshift distribution of GRBs triggered and observed by different satellites (Swift, HETE2, BeppoSax, Ulyssses). After considering the possible biases {significant difference was found at the p=95.70% level in the redshift distributions of GRBs measured by HETE and the Swift.