The GRB/SN Connection: An Improved Spectral Flux Distribution for the SN-Like Component to the Afterglow of GRB 970228, the Non-Detection of a SN-Like Component to the Afterglow of GRB 990510, and GRBs as Beacons to Locate SNe at Redshifts z = 4 - 5

Abstract

We better determine the spectral flux distribution of the supernova candidate associated with GRB 970228 by modeling the spectral flux distribution of the host galaxy of this burst, fitting this model to measurements of the host galaxy, and using the fitted model to better subtract out the contribution of the host galaxy to measurements of the afterglow of this burst. Furthermore, we discuss why the non-detection of a SN1998bw-like component to the afterglow of GRB 990510 does not necessarily imply that a SN is not associated with this burst. Finally, we discuss how bursts can be used as beacons to locate SNe out to redshifts of z = 4 - 5.