[vsnet-chat 568] detection possibility of GRBs in optical

[Taichi Kato <tkato@kusastro.kyoto-u.ac.jp>]

Dear chatters,

    Just an inquiry, does anyone know the current understanding or
prediction of the apparent visual brightness of GRBs (gamma-ray bursts)
during the "main event" (initial tens to hundred seconds of the burst).
The optical counterparts recently indentified and discussed for two GRBs
(the third in progress now??) being considered to correspond to the
"afterglow", I would like to know the possibility of detecting the
"main event" by small telescopes.  Before the present optical identifications,
I have read articles that theorists expect the apparent visual magnitude
of the relativistic fireball may reach 8-10 mag.  Is this estimate and
interpretation still viable (or strengthened) with new observations,
and am I understanding correctly?

Regards,
Taichi Kato

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