Gamma-Ray Burst Triangulation with a Near-Earth Network

Abstract

Abstract We study the characteristics of near-Earth networks (NENs) of gamma-ray burst (GRB) detectors, with the objective of defining a network with all-sky, full-time localization capability for multimessenger astrophysics. We show that a minimum network consisting of nine identical spacecraft in two orbits with different inclinations provides a good combination of sky coverage with several-degree localization accuracy with detector areas of 100 cm2. In order to achieve this, careful attention must be paid to systematics. This includes accurate photon timing (∼0.1 ms), good energy resolution (∼10%), and reduction of Earth albedo, which are all within current capabilities. Such a network can be scaled in both the number and size of detectors to produce increased accuracy. We introduce a new method of localization that does not rely on on-board trigger systems or on the cross-correlation of time histories, but rather it tests positions in ground processing over the entire sky and assigns probabilities to them to detect and localize events. We demonstrate its capabilities with simulations. If the NEN spacecraft can downlink at least several hundred time- and energy-tagged events per second, and the data can be ground-processed as they are received, it can in principle derive GRB positions in near-real time over the entire sky.