On the properties of the RHESSI intermediate-duration gamma-ray bursts

TL;DR

This study analyzes intermediate-duration gamma-ray bursts from RHESSI data, examining their spectral and host galaxy properties to determine if they form a distinct class or relate to known short or long GRBs.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive statistical comparison of intermediate-duration GRBs with short and long classes using multiple observational parameters.

Findings

Intermediate-duration GRBs show distinct spectral lag distributions.

Their host galaxy star formation rates differ from those of short and long GRBs.

The analysis suggests they may constitute a separate GRB class or bridge existing categories.

Abstract

The intermediate-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) identified in the data of the RHESSI satellite are investigated with respect to their spectral lags, peak count rates, redshifts, supernova observations, and star formation rates of their host galaxies. Standard statistical tests like Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Student t-test are used. It is discussed whether these bursts belong to the group of so-called short or long GRBs, or if they significantly differ from both groups.