General Astronomy -
Spring 2013
Homework #10 - not due May 6
Circle the correct answer.
1. (2 pt) The distribution of gamma-ray bursts on the sky is: a)
isotropic, b) concentrated along the Galactic plane, c) correlated
with the local group of galaxies, d) lumpy.
2. (2 pt) The measured
distribution of fluxes, log(N>S) versus log(S) where S is the source flux
and N is the number of sources, has an exponent of -3/2 for a
homogeneous distribution of sources. The log(N>S) versus
log(S) distribution for gamma-ray bursts: a) follows a -3/2 power
law, b) follows a -3/2 power at high fluxes, but falls below at low
fluxes, c) follows a -3/2 power at high fluxes, but lies below at
low fluxes.
3. (2 pt) The first optical counterpart to a gamma-ray burst was
identified using an X-ray position for the gamma-ray burst measured
by: a) Vela, b) BATSE, c) BeppoSAX, d) Swift.
4. (2 pt) Detection of the first optical counterpart to a gamma-ray
burst greatly advanced the field because it was then possible to: a)
find the progenitor star of the gamma-ray burst, b) determine where
in the Milky Way the gamma-ray burst originated, c) measure the red
shift to the gamma-ray burst, d) the public likes nice optical
pictures.
5. (2 pt) The locations of long gamma-ray bursts: a) trace the
distribution of star light in the host galaxy, b) are often outside
the host galaxy, c) all point to known supernova remnants, d) are
impossible to determine.
6. (2 pt) Long gamma-ray bursts are thought to be related to: a)
mergers of neutron stars, b) elliptical galaxies, c) supernovae, d)
Kate and William.
7. (2 pt) Short gamma-ray bursts are thought to be produced by: a)
mergers of neutron stars, b) collapse of massive stars, c) failed
long GRBs, d) nuclear burning on the surface of a neutron star.
8. (2 pt) The gamma-ray emission from GRBs is thought to be: a)
isotropic, b) beamed, c) chocolate.
9. (2 pt) The highest red shift observed for a GRB is: a) 0.03, b)
1.7, c) 2.7, d) 8.2.