Current Topics in Gamma-Ray Astrophysics

This paper reports on recent progress toward unraveling the origin of gamma-ray bursts. It is concluded that neutron-star binaries are one of the few remaining candidates. A model is proposed based upon general relativistic hydrodynamic studies which indicate a new physical process by which to power a gamma-ray burst. Relativistically driven compression, heating, and collapse of the individual neutron stars can occur many seconds before inspiral and merger. This compression may produce a neutrino burst of ∼10(53) ergs lasting several seconds. The associated thermal neutrino emission produces an e(+)–e (−) pair plasma by [Formula: see text] annihilation. We show first results of a simulated burst which produces ∼10(51) erg in γ rays of the correct spectral and temporal properties.