GRB160203A: an exploration of lumpy space

Abstract

ABSTRACT GRB160203A is a high redshift long gamma-ray burst presenting a collection of unusual features in the afterglow light curve. We study its optical and X-ray data. We find this event to occur within a constant density medium during the first part of the afterglow. However, after 13 ks we spot some flaring activities in the optical and X-ray light curves. We explain these flares by fluctuation of densities of the surrounding medium. Other scenarios, such as energy injection from a magnetar or variation of microphysical parameters are not supported by the data. We tentatively link these fluctuations to an unusual host galaxy, with gas density similar to the Milky Way and a dense cocoon of matter around a stellar progenitor similar to a Wolf–Rayet star. A termination shock scenario is found to be less likely.