Cosmic Gamma-ray Bursts. Lectures Presented at XXVII ITEP Winter School

Abstract

The properties of the cosmic Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs) are briefly summarized. A detailed bibliography is given with titles of the papers. Two fundamental theoretical problems are pointed out: the problem of the energy source, and the problem of compactness. I demonstrate some inconsistencies in the estimates of the fireball optical thickness that are widely used in the discussion of the latter problem. The possible connection of GRBs with the Dark Matter candidates is mentioned. I argue that GRBs can be produced by collapses or mergers of stars made of one probable Dark Matter candidate, namely the mirror particles. I speculate on the impact that the parameters of the neutrino oscillations might have on the observed properties of GRBs if the latter are the products of mirror star deaths.