The Afterglow of GRB 130427A from 1 to 10^16 GHz

TL;DR

This study presents comprehensive multiwavelength observations of the exceptionally bright and nearby GRB 130427A, confirming the standard afterglow model with synchrotron emission and revealing insights into its progenitor environment.

Contribution

The paper provides the first extensive multiwavelength dataset for GRB 130427A, demonstrating the applicability of the standard afterglow model across a broad frequency range and characterizing its circumburst environment.

Findings

Afterglow evolution is smooth with no late-time flaring.

Synchrotron emission from reverse and forward shocks explains observations.

Low-density, wind-stratified environment suggests a low-metallicity massive-star progenitor.

Abstract

We present multiwavelength observations of the afterglow of GRB 130427A, the brightest (in total fluence) gamma-ray burst of the past 29 years. Optical spectroscopy from Gemini-North reveals the redshift of the GRB to be z=0.340, indicating that its unprecedented brightness is primarily the result of its relatively close proximity to Earth; the intrinsic luminosities of both the GRB and its afterglow are not extreme in comparison to other bright GRBs. We present a large suite of multiwavelength observations spanning from 300 s to 130 d after the burst and demonstrate that the afterglow shows relatively simple, smooth evolution at all frequencies with no significant late-time flaring or rebrightening activity. The entire dataset from 1 GHz to 10 GeV can be modeled as synchrotron emission from a combination of reverse and forward shocks in good agreement with the standard afterglow model, providing strong support to the applicability of the underlying theory and clarifying the nature of the GeV emission observed to last for minutes to hours following other very bright GRBs. A tenuous, wind-stratified circumburst density profile is required by the observations, suggesting a massive-star progenitor with a low mass-loss rate, perhaps due to low metallicity. GRBs similar in nature to GRB 130427A, inhabiting low-density media and exhibiting strong reverse shocks, are probably not uncommon but may have been difficult to recognize in the past due to their relatively faint late-time radio emission; more such events should be found in abundance by the new generation of sensitive radio and millimeter instruments.