Fermi/GBM Observations of the SGRJ1935+2154 Burst Forest

During 2020 April and May, SGR J1935+2154 emitted hundreds of short bursts and became one of the most prolific transient magnetars. At the onset of the active bursting period, a 130 s burst forest, which included some bursts with peculiar time profiles, were observed with the Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM). In this Letter, we present the results of time-resolved spectral analysis of this burst forest episode, which occurred on 2020 April 27. We identify thermal spectral components prevalent during the entire 130 s episode; high-energy maxima appear during the photon flux peaks, which are modulated by the spin period of the source. Moreover, the evolution of the nu F (nu) spectral hardness (represented by E (peak) or blackbody temperature) within the lightcurve peaks is anti-correlated with the pulse phases extrapolated from the pulsation observed within the persistent soft X-ray emission of the source six hours later. Throughout the episode, the emitting area of the high-energy (hotter) component is 1-2 orders of magnitude smaller than that for the low-energy component. We interpret this with a geometrical viewing angle scenario, inferring that the high-energy component likely originates from a low-altitude hotspot located within closed toroidal magnetic field lines.

Automated summary

During April and May 2020, SGR J1935+2154 emitted numerous short bursts, with one burst forest episode exhibiting thermal spectral components and high-energy maxima during photon flux peaks correlated with the spin period of the source. The emitting area of the high-energy component was significantly smaller than the low-energy component, indicating a potential origin within closed toroidal magnetic field lines at a low-altitude hotspot.