Polarization of the prompt γ-ray emission from the γ-ray burst of 6 December 2002

摘要: Observations of the afterglows γ-ray bursts (GRBs) have revealed that they lie at cosmological distances, and so correspond to release an enormous amount energy1,2. The nature central engine powers these events prompt emission mechanism itself remain enigmatic because, once a relativistic fireball is created, physics afterglow insensitive progenitor. Here we report discovery linear polarization in from GRB021206, which indicates it synchrotron electrons strong magnetic field. theoretical maximum, requires uniform, large-scale field over region. A constrains possible progenitors those either having or producing organized fields. We suggest large energy densities progenitor environment (comparable kinetic fireball), combined with structure field, indicate fields drive GRB explosion.