We present new observations of the binary neutron star merger GW170817 at Delta t ~ 220-290 days post-merger, at radio (Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array; VLA), X-ray (Chandra X-ray Observatory) and optical (Hubble Space Telescope; HST) wavelengths. These observations provide the first evidence for a turnover in the X-ray light curve, mirroring a decline in the radio mission at >=5 sigma significance. The radio-to-X-ray spectral energy distribution exhibits no evolution into the declining phase. Our full multi-wavelength dataset is consistent with the predicted behavior of our previously published models of a successful structured jet expanding into a low-density circumbinary medium, but pure cocoon models with a choked jet cannot be ruled out. If future observations continue to track our predictions, we expect that the radio and X-ray emission will remain detectable until ~ 1000 days post-merger.

A Decline in the X-Ray through Radio Emission from GW170817 Continues to Support an Off-axis Structured Jet

Guidorzi, C.;
2018

Abstract

We present new observations of the binary neutron star merger GW170817 at Delta t ~ 220-290 days post-merger, at radio (Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array; VLA), X-ray (Chandra X-ray Observatory) and optical (Hubble Space Telescope; HST) wavelengths. These observations provide the first evidence for a turnover in the X-ray light curve, mirroring a decline in the radio mission at >=5 sigma significance. The radio-to-X-ray spectral energy distribution exhibits no evolution into the declining phase. Our full multi-wavelength dataset is consistent with the predicted behavior of our previously published models of a successful structured jet expanding into a low-density circumbinary medium, but pure cocoon models with a choked jet cannot be ruled out. If future observations continue to track our predictions, we expect that the radio and X-ray emission will remain detectable until ~ 1000 days post-merger.
2018
Alexander, K. D.; Margutti, R.; Blanchard, P. K.; Fong, W.; Berger, E.; Hajela, A.; Eftekhari, T.; Chornock, R.; Cowperthwaite, P. S.; Giannios, D.; G...espandi
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11392/2393447
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