This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).
Dr. Kumar's research program will address two fundamental issues regarding long duration Gamma Ray Bursters (GRBs). The first is the mechanism for production of the prompt gamma-ray emission and how the energy in an expanding jet is converted into radiation. The second involves the properties of the progenitor stars and the nature of the "central engine" powering GRBs. Both will be examined using model-independent theoretical methods of analysis and data modeling. The research will make use of data obtained by various ground based telescopes supported by the NSF and also space-based telescopes. The result will be an enhanced understanding of GRBs and the nature of the stars that explode to produce them.
Broader impacts include training of students, public lectures, and a course for future K-12 teachers on how to teach science and conduct research.
