Delayed Flashes from Counter Jets of Gamma Ray Bursts

Abstract

If X-ray flashes are due to the forward jet emissions from gamma ray bursts (GRBs) observed with large viewing angles, we show that a prompt emission from a counter jet should be observed as a delayed flash in the UV or optical band several hours to a day after the X-ray flash. Ultraviolet and Optical Telescope on Swift can observe the delayed flashes within ~13 Mpc, so that (double-sided) jets of GRBs may be directly confirmed. Since the event rate of delayed flashes detected by Swift may be as small as 6*10^{-5}events/yr, we require more sensitive detectors in future experiments.

15 pages, 4 eps figures, Accepted for publication in ApJ