Abstract
Soft γ-ray repeaters (SGRs)1–2 represent a new class of astrophysical γ-ray bursts, characterized by rapid but non-periodic recurrence (timescales from 1 s to 1 yr), soft spectra (effective temperature ∼-40 keV), and short duration (∼0.1 s). They probably cannot be explained by whatever physical mechanism lies behind the more common hard γ-ray bursts: in particular, the thermonuclear model cannot work3. Only three SGRs are known1, although some other bursts with soft spectra and short duration might be added to the list, and their spatial distribution and hence distance are undetermined. We regard it as coincidental that two of the three SGRs are close to the plane of our Galaxy. Livio and Taam have argued4 that accretion of comets onto neutron stars is consistent with all the observational evidence. We suggest here instead that SGRs bursts are due to comets falling onto a magnetized white dwarf. Our model produces correct spectra and time-scales, and has the advantage of solving statistical difficulties inherent in the neutron-star model.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Atteia, J. L. et al. Astrophys. J. 320, L105–L110 (1987).
Laros, J. G. et al. Astrophys. J. 320, L111–L115 (1987).
Hameury, J. M. & Lasota, J. P. in Gamma-ray bursts (eds Liang, E. P. & Petrosian, V.) 164–206 (Am. Inst. Phys., New York, 1986).
Livio, M. & Taam, R. E. Nature 327, 398–400 (1987).
Tremaine, S. & Zytkow, A. N. Astrophys. J. 301, 155–163 (1986).
Allen, C. W. in Astrophysical Quantities (Athlon Press, London, 1973).
Angel, J. R. P., Borra, E. F. & Landstreet, J. D. Astrophys. J. Suppl. Ser. 45, 457–474 (1981).
Katz, J. I. Astrophys. J. 309, 253–259 (1986).
Hills, J. G. Astrophys. J. 267, 322–333 (1983).
Alcock, C., Frirstrom, C. C. & Siegelman, R. Astrophys. J. 302, 462–476 (1986).
Harwitt, M. & Salpeter, E. R. Astrophys. J. 186, L37–L40 (1973).
Burnard, D. J., Lea, S. M. & Arons, J. Astrophys. J. 266, 175–187 (1983).
Hameury, J. M., King, A. R. & Lasota, J. P. Mon. Not. R. astr. Soc. 218, 695–710 (1986).
Frank, J., King, A. R. & Lasota, J. P. Astr. Astrophys. 193, 113–118 (1988).
Hoshi, R. Prog. theor. Phys. 49, 776–789 (1973).
Aizu, K. Prog. theor. Phys. 49, 1184–1194 (1973).
Mukai, K. & Charles, P. A. Mon. Not. R. astr. Soc. 226, 209–235 (1987).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Boer, M., Hameury, J. & Lasota, J. A model for soft γ-ray burst repeaters. Nature 337, 716–718 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/337716a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/337716a0
This article is cited by
-
Gamma-rays from neutron stars
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Review (1995)
-
Recurrence times of γ-ray bursts from neutron star/comet encounters
Nature (1990)
-
Comet showers and γ-ray bursts
Nature (1989)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
