The results of the observation of cosmic gamma-ray bursts are discussed and available theoretical models are presented. Emphasis is placed on a cosmological model in which a gamma burst results from a powerful (~ 10⁵¹-10⁵³ erg) and very short ( ~10-100 s) energy release which occurs in a compact ( ~ 10⁶-10⁷ cm) region and gives rise to a photon-lepton fireball expanding at an ultrarelativistic velocity (Lorentz-factor Γ \geqslant 100). The interaction of the relativistic shock wave with its environment produces the observed X-ray and optical afterglows of a burst. Possible physical models of such an energy release event are discussed and some related problems considered.

PACS: 95.85.Pw, 98.70.Rz (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU1999v042n05ABEH000534 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1999/5/d/ 000080958700004 Citation: Postnov K A "Cosmic gamma-ray bursts" Phys. Usp. 42 469–480 (1999) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Постнов К А «Космические гамма-всплески» УФН 169 545–558 (1999); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0169.199905e.0545