EXTRAGALACTIC GAMMA-RAYS: GAMMA RAY BURSTS AND BLAZARS

Abstract

The extragalactic gamma-ray sky is dominated by two classes of sources: Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) and radio loud active galactic nuclei whose jets are pointing at us (blazars). We believe that the radiation we receive from them originates from the transformation of bulk relativistic energy into random energy. Although the mechanisms to produce, collimate and accelerate the jets in these sources are uncertain, it is fruitful to compare the characteristics of both classes of sources in search of enlightening similarities. I will review some general characteristics of radio loud AGNs and GRBs and I will discuss the possibility that both classes of sources can work in the same way. Finally, I will discuss some recent exciting prospects to use blazars to put constraints on the cosmic IR-Optical-UV backgrounds, and to use GRBs as standard candles to measure the Universe.