The First Direct Supernova/GRB Connection: GRB 030329/SN 2003dh

Abstract

Observations of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows have yielded tantalizing hints that supernovae (SNe) and GRBs are related. The case had been circumstantial, though, relying on irregularities in the light curve or the colors of the afterglow. I will present observations of the optical afterglow of GRB 030329. The early spectra show a power-law continuum, consistent with other GRB afterglows. After approximately one week, broad peaks in the spectrum developed that were remarkably similar to those seen in the spectra of the peculiar Type Ic SN 1998bw. This is the first direct, spectroscopic confirmation that at least some GRBs arise from SNe.