What do we know about gamma-ray bursts?

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current understanding of gamma-ray bursts, discussing established models, recent data, and open questions in the field, highlighting areas that may require new theoretical approaches.

Contribution

It provides a concise summary of the current knowledge, popular models, and unresolved issues in gamma-ray burst research, offering a critical perspective on the field.

Findings

Confirmation of the compact central engine model

Identification of key open questions in GRB physics

Discussion of potential need to rethink existing models

Abstract

Decades of improving data and extensive theoretical research have led to a popular model of gamma-ray bursts. According to this model, a catastrophic event in a stellar system results in the formation of a compact central engine, which releases a fraction of a solar rest-mass energy within seconds in the form of ultra-relativistic jets. Dissipation of the jets energy leads first to prompt gamma-ray emission and later to a long lasting afterglow. Here I summarize the introduction that I gave to the debate "where do we stand?" in the conference "The Shocking Universe" held in Venice. This is a very brief summary of my view of the facts that we are (almost) certain about, models that are popular but may need rethinking, and main open questions.