Redshift of GRB 060124

GCN Circular #4591 GRB 060124: MDM Optical Spectrum

N. Mirabal (U. Michigan) and J. P. Halpern (Columbia U.) report for the MDM GRB follow-up team: "We have obtained a low-resolution spectrum of the afterglow of GRB 060124 using the MDM 2.4m telescope and Boller & Chivens (CCDS) spectrograph. The observations consist of three 30-minute spectra beginning on Jan 25.13. Preliminary analysis reveals one significant absorption feature, possibly a doublet, at 5105 A. Assuming that this corresponds to Mg II 2795,2802, the inferred redshift (or lower limit) is z=0.82. Alternatively, if this feature is C IV 1548,1550, then z=2.30, and a marginally significant absorption feature that we see at 4008 A could be Lyman alpha. Independent confirmation of these features is required."

Last Modified: May 10, 2006	jules@astro.columbia.edu