Abstract
We present spectra of the optical transient (OT) associated with GRB 021004. The spectra show a blue continuum with superposed absorption features and one emission line. We confirm two intervening metal-line systems at z = 1.380 and z = 1.602 and one very strong absorption system at a redshift of z = 2.323. Lyα emission is also seen at this redshift. While the spectrum of the OT overall cannot be simply described with a power law, the spectral index over the range 5500-8850 Å is steep, Fv ∝ v- 0.93±0.03. Comparison of spectra from multiple epochs shows a distinct color evolution with the OT becoming redder with time over the first 3 days. This is the first clear example of color change in an OT detected spectroscopically.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L5-L9 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 582 |
Issue number | 1 II |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2003 |
Keywords
- Galaxies: ISM
- Galaxies: distances and redshifts
- Gamma rays: bursts
- Ultraviolet: galaxies
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science