[vsnet-chat 379] Re: gamma-ray burst source

[Taichi Kato <tkato>]

Fraser Farrell wrote in [vsnet-chat 376]:

> Pulsars :- these are stars (sort of), but generally they don't get
> variable star names unless also identified as _optically_ variable.

   Most astronomers probably think the _optical_ counterparts of GRBs
are discovered, and they are certainly _optically_ variable.  I suspect
disquailification to giving variable star names to them may only come from
their possible extragalactic nature, as have been suggested for certain
of them.  What about other (likely a large majority) optically identified
GRBs without line identifications, or associating galaxies?

   I am also wondering is there any possibility of similar optical
counterparts of GRBs have already been discovered and cataloged in earlier
variable star surveys.  A case similar to GRB 970508 would resemble
a fast nova (or WZ Sge-like dwarf nova?) having t3 of serveral tens of
days.

Regards,
Taichi Kato

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