Contact: ask via email
Email: bbzhang_at_nju.edu.cn
Biography
Bin-Bin Zhang
Professor of Astrophysics
Nanjing University · School of Astronomy and Space Science
150+ PUBLICATIONS | 18,000+ CITATIONS | 62 H-INDEX |
6+2 NATURE + SCIENCE | 8 TEAM MEMBERS | 6 STUDENTS GRADUATED |
BioContactResearchOpportunitiesMembersHow to ApplyNews
Biography 简介
Binbin Zhang is a Professor of Astrophysics at Nanjing University who investigates high-energy transients—especially gamma-ray bursts—using data-driven methods. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and completed postdoctoral work at Penn State, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (Spain). He has published 150+ papers in leading journals (including several Nature and Science), with 18,000+ citations and an h-index of 62.
张彬彬，教授，入选国家海外高层次青年人才计划、江苏省双创团队领军人才、国家高层次领军人才特殊支持计划等，毕业于美国内华达大学拉斯维加斯分校，获天文学博士学位。主要从事伽马射线暴的数据分析及理论研究。共发表 SCI 论文 150 余篇，包括 Science 杂志 2 篇、Nature 杂志 6 篇及 Nature 子刊 3 篇。论文共被引用超过 1 万 8 千余次，归一化引用次数（normalized citations）1200 余次，H 因子 62。主持及参与多项国家级科研项目。主要研究高能天体物理现象。成果入选 2023 年江苏省行业领域十大科技进展、江苏省自然科学百篇优秀学术成果论文等。
Contact 联系方式
The best way to contact me is via email (but see prerequisites below).
请优先通过电子邮件联系（见下方前置要求）。
For team, group, or project members, please use team tools (e.g., AstroCollab) to reach me.
团队成员、课题组成员或项目合作者请使用组内通讯工具（如 AstroCollab 等）联系。
I will NOT respond to phone calls or messaging apps unless we have a scheduled appointment or prior communication.
未经预约或事先沟通的情况下，不接听电话、不回复即时通讯软件消息。
Research Focus 研究方向简介
My research focuses on high-energy time-domain and multi-messenger astrophysics, especially GRBs, FRBs, and gravitational-wave electromagnetic counterparts, combining data analysis, physical modeling, and space instrumentation.
我的研究聚焦于高能时域与多信使天体物理，重点关注伽马射线暴、快速射电暴与引力波电磁对应体，融合观测数据分析、物理模型构建与空间探测器研制。
What happens when a dying star collapses, or two neutron stars spiral into each other at nearly the speed of light? The answer is a gamma-ray burst (GRB)—one of the most powerful explosions in the universe. Our group studies these extreme events across the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma-rays and X-rays captured by space telescopes such as Fermi, Swift, and the Einstein Probe, to optical and infrared data from global ground-based facilities.
We combine data-driven analysis with physical modeling to address major open questions: what powers these explosions, how heavy elements form in compact-object mergers, and whether we can capture distinct signatures of newborn neutron stars. Recent results have helped refine GRB classification and identify evidence for magnetar engines in merger-related events.
Beyond analysis, we also build hardware. Our student-led GRID (Gamma-Ray Integrated Detectors) CubeSat program, developed jointly with Tsinghua University, has launched multiple missions and detected dozens of GRBs, offering end-to-end training from detector design to on-orbit operations.
当一颗垂死的大质量恒星坍缩，或两颗中子星以接近光速相互旋进时，会发生什么？答案是伽马射线暴（GRB）——极端高能暂现事件之一。我们利用费米、雨燕、爱因斯坦探针等空间望远镜的伽马射线和 X 射线数据，结合全球地面光学与红外观测，开展全波段研究。
我们将数据分析与物理建模相结合，聚焦关键问题：爆发能量来源、致密并合中重元素形成机制，以及新生中子星的可观测特征。近年来的工作推动了 GRB 分类的完善，并为并合相关事件中的磁星引擎提供了证据链。
在数据分析之外，我们也进行仪器研制。由学生主导的 GRID（伽马射线集成探测器）立方星计划与清华大学联合研发，已多次发射并探测到数十个 GRB，让学生获得从探测器设计到在轨运行的全流程实践经验。
Selected Projects 研究项目
GRB Progenitors & Central Engines
伽马射线暴前身星与中心引擎
Revealed new GRB channels beyond the classical long/short picture, including short-duration Type-II GRBs, merger-origin long GRBs with kilonovae, and magnetar-flare events that mimic short GRBs.
揭示了超越传统“长暴/短暴”分类的新方法：短时标大质量恒星坍缩起源 II 型暴、伴随千新星的并合起源长时标 I 型暴，以及可表现为短暴的磁星耀发事件等。
Prompt-Emission Radiation Physics
瞬时辐射机制与喷流物理
Built a data-driven framework for prompt spectra and developed physical models (synchrotron/photosphere) to diagnose jet composition and transitions within single bursts.
构建瞬时谱的系统分析框架，并发展同步辐射/光球辐射模型，用于判别喷流组成及其在单个爆发现象中呈现证据。
Multi-Messenger & Time-Domain Surveys
多信使后随与时域巡天
Contributed to GW170817/GRB 170817A interpretation, FRB–magnetar constraints, and Einstein Probe science including EP-discovered GRBs via untriggered gamma-ray searches.
参与 GW170817/GRB 170817A 事件解释、FRB–磁星关联的观测约束，并推动爱因斯坦探针科学产出（含通过未触发伽马暂现搜寻识别 EP 探测 GRB）。
Fundamental Physics & Instruments
基本物理检验与探测器研制
Used GRBs for tests of LIV and equivalence principle, and co-led CubeSat missions (GRID), extending GRB physics to laboratory studies and instrument development.
利用 GRB 进行洛伦兹不变性破缺与等效原理检验；联合推动立方星任务（GRID），并将 GRB 相关研究延伸至地面实验与仪器研制。
Study, Research & Visiting Opportunities 学习、科研与访问机会
I am currently accepting applications for postdoctoral positions, graduate student supervision, and visiting research opportunities. Undergraduate students interested in early-career research projects are also welcome to apply.
目前开放博士后、研究生（博士/硕士）、访问学者/学生及本科生早期科研等机会。
For prospective students
You’ll analyze real space-mission data and build models/pipelines for high-energy transients.
We value curiosity, rigor, and open collaboration; coding experience (e.g., Python) helps but passion and persistence matter more.
You’ll gain authorship opportunities and experience working with international collaborators.
If you’re motivated to learn, ask hard questions, and do careful science, please contact me regarding research opportunities.
研究内容包括空间天文任务真实数据分析、高能暂现源的物理建模与数据处理流水线构建。
研究小组重视科研兴趣、方法论严谨性与开放协作精神。具备 Python 等编程基础者更具优势，但并非硬性要求。强调主动学习能力与独立解决问题的能力。符合条件者将有参与论文署名和国际合作的机会。
Team Members 团队成员
| Postdocs | X Yang |
| Ph.D. & M.S. Students | ZY Yan, RC Chen, SN Wang, YH Jiang, XH Liu, JC Tuo, K. Nadaf, YH Fu |
| Visiting Students | R. Patel |
| B.S. / Project Students | BR Wang, HY Qiu, CY Che, ... |
| Research / Lab Assistants | CF, Liu |
| Previous Graduates / Postdocs | ZK Peng (Ph.D. → BNU); YH Yang (Ph.D. → Uniroma2); Z Zhang (M.S. → Osaka); ZK Liu (M.S. → SJTU); J Yang (Ph.D. → ZZU); YHI Yin (M.S. → HKU); YZ Meng (Postdoc → GXUST); V Chand (Postdoc → LSU); Varun (Postdoc → ETH) |
| Previous Visitors | J. Granot (2025); H. van Eetern (2025); Rurdra Patel (2025) |
How to Apply 申请方式
Before reaching out, please carefully review the following prerequisites.
联系前请务必阅读以下要求。
Technical & Routine Matters 技术与日常事务
Basic technical issues or procedural questions should be resolved independently or through general support channels. I expect students to demonstrate common sense and initiative in handling routine matters.
基础技术问题或流程性事务应自行解决。主动性与基本判断力被视为科研训练的必要组成部分。
Inquiry Etiquette & Expectations 咨询规范
Due to my busy schedule, I will only respond to inquiries related to academic projects or real issues. Messages that reflect a lack of preparation or overconfidence in handling basic issues will not receive a response and may factor into application evaluation.
仅回复与学术项目或实际事务直接相关的咨询。内容缺乏准备、忽视细节的咨询将不予回复，并可能影响申请评估。
Use of AI Assistance 关于 AI 辅助使用
Appropriate use of AI tools for minor assistance—such as grammar correction or fixing typos—is acceptable. However, inquiries that read as fully AI-generated, formulaic, impersonal, or mechanically written will not receive a response.
允许适度使用 AI 进行辅助，例如语法修改或拼写纠正。但明显由 AI 完整生成、缺乏个人思考与表达、呈现模板化或机械叙事风格的咨询，将不会得到回复。
Ph.D., Master’s, or Undergraduate Supervision
For local students at NJU, please email me at bbzhang_at_nju.edu.cn to schedule an appointment. For all other applicants, please email me with your CV.
博士 / 硕士 / 本科生指导：NJU 本校学生请发送邮件至 bbzhang_at_nju.edu.cn 预约面谈；其他申请者请邮件提交个人 CV。
Visiting Students / Scholars
If you are interested in a visiting research opportunity, please email me with your CV.
访问学生 / 访问学者：请通过邮件提交 CV。
Short-Term International Internship
Global Research Immersion Program for Young Scientists (GRIPS)
Postdoctoral Positions
If you are interested in a postdoctoral position, please email me first to schedule an interview. Your email must include your CV and publication list.
博士后岗位：请先邮件联系并预约面试，邮件须包含 CV 与论文列表。
International Student Opportunities at NJU (e.g., CSC Funding Applications)
Important Notice: Emails sent from non-institutional email addresses (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) will be automatically ignored, disqualifying your future application. To proceed, you must adhere to our panel review process. No Exceptions.
Application Requirements: To initiate your application, submit the following documents using an official institutional email address. Applications from non-institutional email addresses will not be considered.
Once we receive your complete application package, we will conduct a thorough review. If your application meets our selection criteria, you will be notified to schedule an interview.
If you do not receive a notification, this means you were not selected. We do not send rejection emails.
I will not respond to any inquiries if a complete application package has not been submitted.
A cover letter.
Your most recent transcripts.
Your most current thesis (e.g., M.S. or B.S. thesis).
Your diploma, certified by https://www.chsi.com.cn/en/ or your local Chinese embssay.
A detailed CV.
A publication list, with copies of the 1st pages of your key publicaitons.
A research statement outlining your past research experiences and future research interests.
A copy of your valid Passport.
A copy of your Non-Criminal Report issued and stamped by your local police agency.
Three letters of recommendation, sent directly by your referees from their official institutional email addresses to bbzhang@nju.edu.cn.
Global Excursion Program 南京大学本科生全球科考项目（本校本科生）
《追光之旅——基于全球光学望远镜 BOOTES 对伽马射线暴的观测与研究》
High-School Visiting Students 优秀高中生访问计划
实验室不定期接收对天文学有浓厚兴趣的高中生进行科研访问。请邮件提交 CV。
To inspire talented high-schoolers who are passionate about astronomy, our lab occasionally welcomes students from all grade levels for immersive research visits. If you’re interested, please email me your CV. We also offer structured programs that recruit high-school students—such as the Nanjing University CubeSat Laboratory Summer Research Project（南大天文小卫星实验室暑期科研项目）.
Recent News 最新动态
2026-11-06张彬彬教授领衔项目荣获2025年度江苏省自然科学奖一等奖
Leveraging space-based high-energy observations and multi-wavelength follow-up observations, the project established a multi-wavelength classification scheme for the physical origins of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) through data analysis and physical modeling. It broke through the traditional dichotomy that "long GRBs originate from collapsars and short GRBs from mergers", revealing magnetar giant flares as a third origin channel. The project also provided an in-depth analysis of jet structures and radiation mechanisms, offering key observational constraints for understanding the physical mechanisms of GRBs. The related results have been published in top-tier international journals such as Nature, significantly advancing the development of multi-messenger astronomy.
2026-10-28
A Shared Rhythm in Short Gamma-Ray Bursts Points to Magnetar Giant Flares
Two high-energy explosions recorded nearly three decades apart may share a similar oscillatory “clock.” By reanalyzing the short gamma-ray burst GRB 910711 and comparing it with the extragalactic magnetar giant flare GRB 200415A, researchers found not only similar rapid brightness variations but also a harmonic-like structure organized around approximately 360 Hz. Together with spectral and energetic evidence, these findings support a possible magnetar giant flare origin for GRB 910711, offering a new clue to the true nature of these fleeting explosions.
On October 28, 2026,our group together with collaborators from Department of Physics and Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other institutions, published their findings in Science Advances in a research article entitled “Harmonic brightness oscillations point to magnetar giant flares in rare short gamma-ray bursts.”
Paper link：https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aee6388
First author：Run-Chao Chen
Corresponding authors: Run-Chao Chen, Ore Gottlieb, Bin-Bin Zhang
Funding: This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the National SKA Program of China, science research grants from the China Manned Space Program, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and the Program for Innovative Talents and Entrepreneurs in Jiangsu, among other sources. Collaborating authors also received support through a Flatiron Research Fellowship, the Simons Collaboration on Extreme Electrodynamics of Compact Sources, and a Simons Investigator Grant.
短伽马射线暴中的共同节律指向磁陀星巨耀发
两次相隔近三十年的高能爆发，可能共享相似的振荡“时钟”。研究人员重新分析短伽马射线暴GRB 910711，并将其与河外磁陀星巨耀发GRB 200415A比较，发现两者不仅具有相似的快速光变，还呈现出围绕约360赫兹展开的类谐波结构。结合能谱和能量分析，这些证据支持GRB 910711可能源于磁陀星巨耀发，为辨认这类短暂爆发的真实起源提供了新线索。
2026年10月28日，我们研究小组联合麻省理工学院物理系及卡夫里天体物理与空间研究所等单位，在《科学进展》（Science Advances）发表题为“Harmonic brightness oscillations point to magnetar giant flares in rare short gamma-ray bursts”的研究论文。
论文链接：https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aee6388
第一作者：陈润潮
通讯作者：陈润潮、Ore Gottlieb、张彬彬
资助信息：本研究获国家自然科学基金、国家重点研发计划、国家SKA专项、中国载人航天工程科学研究项目、中央高校基本科研业务费和江苏省双创计划等支持；合作作者同时获得Flatiron Research Fellowship、Simons Collaboration on Extreme Electrodynamics of Compact Sources及Simons Investigator Grant资助。
2026-09-30
Minutes-long Soft X-ray Prompt Emission from a Compact Object Merger
天关卫星发现致密天体并合的分钟级软X射线瞬时辐射
When two neutron stars collide and merge, how long can we see their high-energy emission? Until now, the familiar signature has been a short gamma-ray burst lasting less than two seconds. A new discovery by the Einstein Probe (EP, also known as Tianguan) shows, however, that the end of the gamma-ray burst does not mean this cosmic explosion is over.
Recently, Professor Bin-Bin Zhang of the School of Astronomy and Space Science, Nanjing University, together with collaborators from the EP collaboration in China and abroad, carried out an in-depth study of EP250704a/GRB 250704B, a high-energy burst produced by a compact object merger. The burst was captured simultaneously by EP, the China–France SVOM satellite and the Insight-HXMT satellite, which monitored it in full in soft X-rays and gamma rays respectively, offering a rare opportunity to trace the early evolution of the emission from a compact object merger. The study finds that the short gamma-ray burst, which lasted less than half a second, was followed by a “hidden” episode of soft X-ray activity lasting nearly ten minutes, indicating that the merger remnant continued to release substantial energy for a considerable time. This implies that compact star mergers—important sources of gravitational waves—can also appear as fast X-ray transients lasting several minutes, opening a new observational window for the search for electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational-wave events and for multi-messenger astronomy. The results were published in the journal Science Bulletin under the title “Minutes-long soft X-ray prompt emission from a compact object merger”. The work was jointly led by Nanjing University, the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, the University of Hong Kong and the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with Nanjing University as the first corresponding-author institution.
两颗中子星碰撞并合时，我们究竟能看到多久的高能辐射？过去，人们熟悉的是持续不到两秒的短伽马射线暴。而天关卫星（Einstein Probe，EP）的一个新发现显示，伽马射线暴结束，并不意味着这场宇宙高能爆发已经落幕。
近日，南京大学天文与空间科学学院张彬彬教授与天关卫星合作组的国内外合作者一道，对一例来自致密天体并合产生的高能爆发EP250704a/GRB 250704B开展了深入研究。此次爆发被天关卫星、中法天文卫星（SVOM）和慧眼卫星（Insight-HXMT）同时捕捉，分别在软X射线和伽马射线能段被完整监测，为研究人员追踪致密天体并合辐射的早期演化提供了难得的机会。研究发现，持续不足半秒的短伽马射线暴之后还存在长达近十分钟的“隐藏”软X射线活动，表明并合产物仍在相当长的一段时间内持续释放大量能量。这一发现意味着，作为重要引力波源的致密星并合还可能表现为持续数分钟的快速X射线暂现源事件，这为寻找引力波的电磁对应体和开展多信使天文学研究提供了新的观测窗口。相关成果以“Minutes-long soft X-ray prompt emission from a compact object merger”为题近日发表于国际学术期刊《科学通报》（Science Bulletin）。这项工作由南京大学、罗马第二大学、香港大学和国家天文台共同牵头完成，南京大学为论文的第一通讯作者单位。
2026-03-31
Explosions in the Empty: A Survey of Transients in Local Void Galaxies
Our team conducted the first systematic census of astrophysical transients—supernovae (SNe), gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and fast radio bursts (FRBs)—in void versus non-void galaxies within the local Universe. Using multiwavelength data spanning ~26,000 void galaxies and ~79,000 non-void galaxies, we find that core-collapse SNe are significantly overrepresented in voids (~57% of all void SNe versus ~40% outside), reflecting the younger, more actively star-forming stellar populations in these underdense environments. In contrast, Type Ia SNe are suppressed in voids, consistent with a deficit of old stellar populations. Notably, we identify one short GRB (GRB 080121) hosted by a void galaxy, demonstrating that compact binary mergers can occur even in the most isolated cosmic environments. No FRBs are found within voids in our sample. These results establish that large-scale cosmic structure leaves a measurable imprint on the demographics of stellar death across the nearby Universe. The paper is led by my Ph.D. student Suo-Ning Wang.
2026-02-03
Millisecond Periodic Signals Discovered Again in a Short Gamma-Ray Burst Sample
Our team discovered the second statistically significant millisecond-timescale periodic signal—a coherent oscillation at approximately 1100 Hz (corresponding to a period of ~0.9 milliseconds) in short gamma-ray burst GRB 960616, which occurred in 1996. Its physical properties are highly consistent with the millisecond-scale periodic signal first discovered in GRB 230307A, further supporting the physical picture that the central engines of short gamma-ray bursts harbor rapidly spinning millisecond magnetars. The paper is led by my Ph.D. student Runchao Chen.
2025-12-29
Our Team’s Discovery of Newborn Neutron Star “First Heartbeat” Named Among 2025 Hong Kong Top 10 Innovation & Technology News
Organised by the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, the results of the annual selection for the “Top 10 Innovation & Technology News in Hong Kong 2025” have recently been announced. Our student’s work, “Detect First ‘Heartbeat’ of a Newborn Neutron Star,” has been selected as one of these Top 10 Innovation & Technology News in Hong Kong 2025.
香港商報網：2025 年香港十大創科新聞出爐
京港學術交流中心：2025 年香港十大創科新聞｜結果公布！
HKU Media: HKU Three Research Projects Named Among “Top 10 Innovation & Technology News in Hong Kong 2025”
2025-09-19
Evidence for a Millisecond Magnetar Periodicity in a Gamma-Ray Burst, Published in Nature Astronomy
Our Ph.D. student, Runchao Chen, published a first-author paper entitled “Evidence for a brief appearance of gamma-ray periodicity after a compact star merger” in Nature Astronomy. In this paper, we detected a brief but highly coherent oscillation in the GRB designated GRB 230307A on 7 March 2023. The signal, spinning nearly a thousand times per second, points to the birth of a “millisecond magnetar”—a rapidly rotating neutron star with an ultra-strong magnetic field.
2025-06-05
Spectral Hardening Marks the Emergence of a GRB Afterglow
Einstein Probe (EP) and NASA’s Fermi/GBM have caught GRB 250404A (EP250404a) in the act of changing personality—from its prompt gamma-ray flash to the steadier external-shock afterglow. In a new Letter led by Yi-Han Iris Yin with Prof. Bin-Bin Zhang’s group at Nanjing University, the team follows an unbroken 600-s X-ray light curve whose spectrum first softens, then hardens dramatically, and finally levels off at a slope of ≈ –2. Broadband optical/near-IR data modelled with forward- and reverse-shock components confirm that this “soft-hard-flat” trend pinpoints the exact moment the relativistic jet slams into its environment and the afterglow takes over.
The hardening implies the prompt soft-X-ray phase actually lasted about 300 s—over three times longer than its γ-ray T90—revealing how long-duration fast X-ray transients can hide prompt emission below 10 keV. The authors propose this spectral fingerprint as a practical flag for identifying GRBs in EP’s growing catalogue of fast X-ray transients, even when γ-ray coverage or a clear temporal break is absent.
The study, co-authored by more than 60 collaborators, is now available on arXiv (2506.00435).
2025-05-02
My Postdoc Vikas’ Story
2024-12-18
Direct Evidence of a Magnetar in the Central Engine of a Peculiar Long Gamma-Ray Burst
Einstein Probe’s Pathfinder mission LEIA and GECAM mission have recently discovered direct evidence of a magnetic neutron star serving as the central engine in a peculiar long gamma-ray burst GRB 230307A. This finding suggests that long gamma-ray bursts may originate from a compact binary merger involving a magnetized neutron star, which rotates rapidly and possesses an extremely strong magnetic field. The research has been published in National Science Review. My Ph.D. student, Jun Yang, is the co-first-author of the paper.
2024-09-19
“Bridging the Gap”
In September 2024, our team reported on GRB 230812B, a remarkable gamma-ray burst detected by the Gamma-Ray Integrated Detectors (GRID) constellation mission. The paper, co-authored by Chenyu Wang, a Tsinghua University student, including myself as the corresponding author, is titled “Bridging the Gap: GRB 230812B—A Three-Second Supernova-Associated Burst Detected by the GRID Mission.” This burst, with a duration of just 3 seconds, challenges the conventional categorization of GRBs, as it originates from a massive star collapse despite its short duration. Our analysis, utilizing a time-evolving synchrotron model, sheds light on this rare phenomenon.
2024-07-14
“Triggering the Untriggered”
Our team led a collaborative effort reporting on the first EP detection of a bright X-ray transient, EP240219A, which is associated with an untriggered GRB. The paper, led by my Master’s student Yi-Han Iris Yin and entitled “Triggering the Untriggered: The First Einstein Probe-Detected Gamma-Ray Burst 240219A and Its Implications,” is now available on arXiv and published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
2024-05-21
The 3rd Nanjing GRB Conference
We successfully held the Third Nanjing GRB Conference during May 21–25, 2024, in Suzhou, China. There were about 160 participants from around 20 countries with fruitful discussion and outcomes.
2024-02-08
“One Fits All: A Unified Synchrotron Model Explains GRBs with FRED-shape Pulses”
A new study led by Ph.D. student Zhenyu Yan has been published in ApJ. The paper introduces a synchrotron model that simplifies the analysis of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) by using a single set of parameters to explain both their spectral and temporal evolution. This approach sheds light on the GRB light curve’s phases and peak energy changes, suggesting an expanding emission region as the underlying mechanism. The findings offer a fresh perspective on GRB analysis and could guide future astrophysical research.
2023-12-22
Study of the Second Extragalactic Magnetar, Giant Glare GRB 231115A
Our team conducted a study on the second extragalactic magnetar, Giant Glare GRB 231115A, and successfully applied the Comptonized Fireball Bubble model to the observed data. This study provides a constrained physical picture, including a trapped fireball with a radius of approximately 1.95e5 cm and a high local magnetic field of 2.5e16 G. The paper is led by our graduate student Iris.
Update on Feb. 21, 2024: Published in ApJL
2023-12-10
“A Long-Duration Gamma-Ray Burst with a Peculiar Origin” Selected Among the Jiangsu Natural Science Top 100 Papers
Our paper (Nature, 612, 232) was selected as one of the outstanding academic achievement papers in the “Jiangsu Natural Science Top 100 Papers” for 2023.
2023-12-06
Top Ten Technological Advances in Fundamental Science Research in Jiangsu Province
Our research paper published in Nature, entitled “A Long-Duration Gamma-Ray Burst with a Peculiar Origin,” has been distinguished as one of the Top Ten Technological Advances in the Fundamental Science Research Field in Jiangsu Province, China, for the year 2022. This recognition underscores the significance of our work and its contribution to advancing scientific outcomes in the GRB field.
2023-09-01
Using Gravitational Waves to Discern the Origins of Peculiar Gamma-Ray Bursts
A research paper exploring the utilization of Gravitational Waves to discern the origins of certain peculiar Gamma-Ray Bursts (e.g., GRB 211211A) has recently been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The first author of this study is my graduate student, Yi-Han Iris Yin.
2023-08-20
The 3rd Nanjing GRB Conference in May 2024
We are organizing the Third Nanjing GRB Conference in May 2024. Since the Second Nanjing GRB Conference held in 2019, significant strides have been made in the field of Gamma-Ray Bursts. The detection of several distinctive GRBs, including the unprecedented “Brightest of All Time” GRB 221009A, has been continuously driving this vigorous field. In May 2024, we will gather once again in the beautiful city of Suzhou with the aim of summarizing and discussing recent progress, both in the fronts of new observations and theoretical modeling. It will also highlight the initiatives and the results of some existing, newly launched or anticipated space- and ground-based missions/telescopes with a strong focus on their connections to multi-messenger astrophysics.
2023-07-24
Emergence of a Magnetar During the Long-Duration and Luminous GRB 230307A
Collaborating with the EP and GECAM teams, our research group has jointly conducted a study that unveils the emergence of a magnetar during a long-duration and luminous GRB 230307A event.
2023-03-28
Study of the Brightest-of-All-Time (BOAT) GRB 221009A
Our team led a study on the brightest-of-all-time (BOAT) GRB 221009A. We proposed a physical synchrotron model to account for its MeV radiation. Our paper has been published in ApJ Letters. Additionally, our team presented a poster at the AAS/HEAD20 meeting.
2022-12-07
A Long-Duration Gamma-Ray Burst with a Peculiar Origin
In the Dec. 7 issue of the journal Nature, our team reports the discovery of a unique cosmological gamma-ray burst (GRB) that defies prevailing theories of how violent cosmic explosions form. This “oddball” burst led the team to propose a new model, or source, for certain types of GRBs. My student Jun Yang is the first author of the paper.
Paper: A long-duration gamma-ray burst with a peculiar origin
Nature Research Highlights: “Oddball” gamma ray burst challenges models of origins
Nature News and Views: Strange flashes linked to stars merging rather than dying
NJU Astro News: Astronomers at Nanjing University propose a new origin for a peculiar gamma-ray burst
Sky & Telescope: Gamma-Ray Burst Surprise
CNN News: Rare cosmic collision acted like one of the “factories of gold” in the universe
UNLV News: Deep-Space Discovery: Oddball Gamma-Ray Burst Forces Revision of Theoretical Framework
New Scientist: A weird gamma ray burst doesn’t fit our understanding of the cosmos
NJU News（Chinese）: 南大天文博士生《自然》发文提出伽马射线暴起源新模型
Teaching
Teaching 承担课程
Undergraduate Courses 本科生课程
- Science Light Series — Understanding the Universe“科学之光”——认识宇宙
- CubeSat Development and Research for Gravitational Wave Electromagnetic Counterparts (I, II, III, IV)针对引力波电磁对应体的立方星开发和研究（一、二、三、四）
- Exploring Astronomy Mysteries天文探秘
- Observational Astrophysics Experiments实测天体物理实验
- Young Scientists Yangtze River Delta International Research Project (GRIPS Summer Program) — Astronomy青年科学家长三角国际科研项目——天文学
- Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Frontier Astronomy Research人工智能在天文学前沿研究中的应用
- Gamma-Ray Bursts: From Instruments, Data to Science伽马射线暴：从仪器、数据到科学
- Science Light (Young Scholars Series) — Magic Gamma-Ray Bursts and How to Study Them“科学之光”（青年学者系列）——神奇的伽马射线暴以及如何研究它们
- Early Scientific Training Practice早期科技训练实习
- Chasing Light Journey — Observation and Research of Gamma-Ray Bursts Based on Global Optical Telescope BOOTES (Science Expedition Class)追光之旅——基于全球光学望远镜 BOOTES 对伽马射线暴的观测与研究
Graduate Courses 研究生课程
- Gravitational Waves and Related Astrophysical Processes引力波及相关天体物理过程
Research Interests
See: Research Focus
Publications
An up-to-date publication list on ADS is available on this https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/public-libraries/JdA_8VyLQcWYau2RR-gfXA
Highlighted Papers:
Chen, R.-C., Zhang, B.-B. et al., Evidence for a brief appearance of gamma-ray periodicity after a compact star merger, 2025, Nature Astronomy, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02649-w
Yang, J., Ai, S.-K, Zhang, B.-B. et al, A long-duration gamma-ray burst with a peculiar origin, 2022, Nature, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05403-8
Zhang, B. -B. , Liu, Z. -K. , Peng, Z. -K. et al., A peculiarly short-duration gamma-ray burst from massive star core-collapse, 2021, Nature Astronomy, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-021-01395-z
Zhang, B-.B., Zhang, B., Sun, H.,et al.. , A peculiar low-luminosity short gamma-ray burst from a double neutron star merger progenitor, 2018, Nature Communications, 9, 447 1/2018 10.1038/s41467-018-02847-3
Zhang, B-.B., Zhang, B., Castro-Tirado, et al. , Transition from fireball to Poynting-flux- dominated outflow in the three-episode GRB 160625B, 2018, Nature Astronomy, 2, 69 11/2018 10.1038/s41550-017-0309-8
Zhang, B-.B., & Zhang, B. , Repeating FRB 121102: Eight-year Fermi-LAT Upper Limits and Implications, 2017, The Astrophysical Journal, 843, L13 7/2017 10.3847/2041-8213/aa7633
Zhang, B-.B., et al., Synchrotron Origin of the Typical GRB Band Function: A Case Study of GRB 130606B, 2016, The Astrophysical Journal, 816, 72 1/2016 10.3847/0004-637X/816/2/72
Zhang, B-.B., Zhang, B., & Castro-Tirado, A. J. , Central Engine Memory of Gamma-Ray Bursts and Soft Gamma-Ray Repeaters, 2016, The Astrophysical Journal, 820, L32 4/2016 10.3847/2041- 8205/820/2/L32
Zhang, B-.B., Zhang, B., Murase, K., Connaughton, V., & Briggs, M. S. , How Long does a Burst Burst?, 2014, The Astrophysical Journal, 787, 66 5/2014 10.1088/0004-637X/787/1/66
Zhang, B-.B., van Eerten, H., Burrows, D. N., Ryan, G. S., Evans, P. A., Racusin, J. L., Troja, E., & MacFadyen, A. , An Analysis of Chandra Deep Follow-up Gamma-Ray Bursts: Implications for Off-axis Jets, 2015, The Astrophysical Journal, 806, 15 6/2015 10.1088/0004-637X/806/1/15
Zhang, B-.B.,et ql. , GRB 120422A: A Low-luminosity Gamma-Ray Burst Driven by a Central Engine, 2012, The Astrophysical Journal, 756, 190 9/2012 10.1088/0004-637X/756/2/190
Zhang, B-.B.,et al., Unusual Central Engine Activity in the Double Burst GRB 110709B, 2012, The Astrophysical Journal, 748, 132 4/2012 10.1088/0004-637X/748/2/132
Zhang, B-.B., Zhang, B., Liang, E.-W., Fan, Y.-Z., Wu, X.-F., Pe’er, A., Maxham, A., Gao, H., & Dong, Y.-M. , A Comprehensive Analysis of Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Data. I. Spectral Components and the Possible Physical Origins of LAT/GBM GRBs, 2011, The Astrophysical Journal, 730, 141 4/2011 10.1088/0004-637X/730/2/141
